With a winter break in January, City played only four games: two in the Premier League and two in the FA Cup.
The Blues won all four matches, scoring 12 goals and conceding three – and here are the candidates up for the January Etihad award.
Kevin De Bruyne
Our assist king returned after more than four months out with injury and has gradually been eased into the action again.
But what an immediate impact he has made.
In little more than 160 minutes of combined action during January, he assisted three goals for his team-mates and scored one himself.
He’d been on the pitch minutes in his comeback game against Huddersfield Town when he chipped a cross in from the right for Jeremy Doku to volley home.
Then, coming on for the last 20 minutes against Newcastle, he scored a superb low drive to make it 2-2 and then provided a sumptuous pass that Oscar Bobb expertly collected and prodded home in added time to claim a magnificent 3-2 win at St James’ Park.
Against Spurs, it was his pinpoint corner that caused keeper Vicario to flap at resulting in Nathan Ake‘s toe poke winner and against Burnley, it was his superb free-kick pass to Julian Alvarez that doubled our lead against the Clarets.
What a comeback.
Bernardo
Consistently good throughout the campaign, Bernardo did more than enough in the two games he featured in during January to win a spot among our Etihad nominees.
A pulsating performance against Newcastle was capped with a sublime back flicked goal to give the Blues the lead at St James’ Park, and his industry and energy throughout were key to three vital points on Tyneside.
And he was again at his very best in our hard-fought 1-0 win away to Tottenham in the FA Cup, continually probing and creating opportunities.
Another strong month from the Portuguese.
Phil Foden
Two goals and an assist in January don’t quite tell the whole story of Phil Foden’s month.
Having one of his best seasons yet for City, Foden has been the creative spark and playmaker during Kevin De Bruyne’s absence, and he started the New Year with two goals in our 5-0 FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town.
Foden was again excellent in the 3-2 win at Newcastle, before yet another outstanding display in the 1-0 win over Tottenham in the FA Cup.
Foden finished off January with another fine display in the 3-1 win over Burnley, assisting Rodrigo’s goal at the start of the second half to all-but wrap up victory against Vincent Kompany’s team.
Voting closes on Monday, 5 February at 17:00 (UK) – make your choice now!
VOTE FOR YOUR JANUARY WINNER BELOW!
