SOCCER: Guardiola hails Foden's spark as Man City stay on Arsenal's heels

MANCHESTER, England - Pep Guardiola said Phil Foden provided the kind of inspiration that cannot be drawn up on a tactics board after the midfielder helped drive Manchester City to a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

City stayed close behind Arsenal, cutting the gap at the top of the table to two points with two games remaining. They dominated Palace despite making six changes to the starting lineup.

Foden made a rare start and produced assists for the first two goals, scored by Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush. His clever back-heel to set up Semenyo drew loud celebrations from the home fans.

“You need quality, the spark, the talent, the vision, something,” Guardiola said of Foden. “It’s not in the tactical boards, it’s not in the meetings, it’s not in the videos, it’s not even in training.

“(Foden) receives the ball in small spaces and creates something. Like the very good players, he can deliver, and I’m really pleased with his performance as a whole.”

Guardiola rotated his squad with Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea in mind. Foden, who has been a long shot to make Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup due to limited playing time, set the tempo from the start.

Foden said the depth of Guardiola’s squad has been crucial during the season run-in.

“It’s massively important at this stage of the season to have fresh players coming in,” Foden said. “We were all excited to play and we were ready. It’s a massive game, a must-win, so we are really happy.”

The 25-year-old, who has had to be patient at times this season, said he was happy to make his mark.

“Buzzing to contribute to a goal and help the lads get three points, which is the most important thing,” Foden said.

“I would say I had a good first half of the season, then dropped off a bit and struggled to find my place in the team. It happens when you have quality players around you. You have to wait, be patient, train as hard as you can, and when you get your moment, you have to take it.”

Guardiola acknowledged that City do not fully control their title fate.

If Arsenal beat Burnley on Monday, City will need to beat Bournemouth the following day. Bournemouth are chasing European qualification and are unbeaten in 16 matches. City close their season against Aston Villa on May 24.

“I cannot ask for more. Now it’s incredible focus for the last two league games,” Guardiola said. “But the next opponent is Bournemouth, look what they are doing this season, and then Aston Villa — they are not easy games. We just focus and see what happens.” -Reporting by Lori EwingEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters