Manchester City duo reprimanded by Pep Guardiola for discipline breach

Manchester City duo Jack Grealish and Phil Foden were the notable absentees in City’s 4-1 win against Newcastle on Sunday. Many were left puzzled by the surprising omission of Foden and Grealish, both of whom have been important for Pep Guardiola this season.

Phil Foden is enjoying yet another fruitful season as he has managed to notch up four goals and assist on three occasions this term. With a G/A of 7 from 11 appearances, it is clear why Pep Guardiola is investing so much faith in him, ahead of Raheem Sterling.

While Jack Grealish only has a G/A of 4 to show (2 goals plus 2 assists), he has been a regular feature in Pep’s XI this term.

Having said that, the duo was a part of the City XI that annihilated Leeds United at the Etihad by seven goals to nil. For that matter, both Foden and Grealish managed to get on the scoresheet in that game.

Post the historic victory, Foden and Grealish apparently went to a nightclub and this was known because of some pictures which later resurfaced. In fact, Pep Guardiola was said to be “unhappy” with the state in which the England teammates arrived at the recovery session the following morning.

"Speaking about the absent duo, Guardiola said:“It was not rotation, no. I decided on this team because they deserved to play — these guys and not the other ones.“At Christmas I pay a lot of attention to behaviour on and off the pitch. And when off the pitch is not proper, they are not going to play.Source: The Sun"

Both Grealish and Foden were unused subs in City’s vital win over the Magpies on Sunday. Sunday’s victory also saw City extend their lead at the top of the table with both, Chelsea and Liverpool dropping points on Matchday 18.

One thing is clear that Pep Guardiola is not a man to tolerate indiscipline of any kind, in his ranks. Hopefully, Grealish and Foden will learn from this experience and will only learn from this.