Guardiola has backed Foden to become a goal machine after against Arsenal

Pep Guardiola has backed Phil Foden to become a serial goalscorer at Manchester City, claiming the youngster offers unique qualities in the final third.

City have toiled in attack this season — they are the lowest scorers in the Premier League's top half — but did net four at Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Foden was among the scorers at the Emirates and that finish, after a darting run beyond Arsenal's backline, is what Guardiola wants the 20-year-old to unlock more often.

'He can score a lot of goals,' Guardiola said. 'He has an incredible shot. He arrives late. The last part... it is something we don't have. We love this guy. He has everything to be really special.

'I want the best for him and if he has the desire to do it, he will get there for sure.'

Foden has remained exceptionally patient for opportunities, starting just one league game since October before tonight's clash with Newcastle, who were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Championship side Brentford on Tuesday.

He flourished in the Champions League group stage and should be afforded more chances domestically over the coming month.

Guardiola detailed that City are looking for Foden to change the pace of games around the opposition's box.

'Phil wants to beat the world, he wants to eat the world and he wants to be important,' the City boss added. 'He has an incredible energy when he has started, but in the final decision, in the final pass, he has to slow down a little bit.

'He has to understand about changing the rhythm (of attacks), but that comes with experience.

'We will be incredibly patient. It is not easy for a young player to have the rise like his in this club, playing important games, and with the national team.

'The weird thing would be if he was 20 and he didn't have something to improve. It is impossible. It is not a problem.'

City's profligacy has been an issue, however, and one Guardiola has not shied away from. The Catalan does not believe that a monsoon of goals will appear overnight.

'Our game has to come back and have to restart in the way we play,' he said. 'The goals don't come as a present from Santa Claus. They come from the way you have to play.'

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