Rodri hails City gamechanger Foden after Sheff Utd win

Rodri heaped praise on team-mate Phil Foden after the England international guided Manchester City to victory over Sheffield United.

The 23-year-old midfielder assisted both goals as the champions cruised to a 2-0 triumph at Etihad, with Rodri benefitting from his colleague's creativity to find the back of the net for the first time on home soil since February.

Julian Alvarez was also on the scoresheet as Pep Guardiola's side moved ahead of Arsenal in the Premier League table with Foden teeing up the Argentine for a tap-in.

On his goal, Rodri told Sky Sports: "I thought Phil [Foden] could set to me and then to be honest I didn't have the intention to shoot but they were dropping so I did it.

"Phil has incredible ability to turn that fast. He has this plasticity with the ball he can turn so quick. 

"We had to be patient but when we can find this pass he is a gamechanger. He increases the pace he can shoot and pass."

Rodri also stressed the importance of City learning from their mistakes against Crystal Palace, when they surrendered a 2-0 lead at the Etihad to draw 2-2.

The Spaniard added: "We learned from the last games against Crystal Palace, same feeling of the game, controlling, but at the end they had chances and we drew. 

"We had to keep focusing and they [Sheff Utd] didn't have the intention to come to us so we had to keep the ball. Important for us this victory."

As well as picking up a crucial win, City boss Guardiola was able to call upon Kevin De Bruyne for the first time since the season opener against Burnley — and the Belgian could feature more prominently at Newcastle on Matchday 21.

The Citizens boss said: "We've been waiting a long time for him [De Bruyne]. 

"He's turning good the last week or so. He came for the trophies today for the picture and to be here and realise when to warm up and how the people support him and look forward to seeing him again. 

"Maybe Newcastle he will be ready."