Savinho scores his first goal for Manchester City to give them a crucial lead in Leicester. He wisely follows Phil Foden’s shot from distance and smashes home the bobble by the Leicester keeper. Savinho’s stats for Manchester City—16 appearances, 1 goal, and 3 assists.
What’s interesting though, is the pass that Foden receives from Rico Lewis that starts the play. Lewis plays a first time 5 yard pass to Foden.
What stands out is how ready Foden is to receive this pass. He’s not surprised. Instead he turns and takes a touch and strikes the ball on goal. It is a good forward-looking pass by Lewis.
Although not the type of pass you see that often in the English Premier league, I would argue. Moreover, not the type of pass you see in soccer in general.
But it’s interesting because it’s not a pass in behind or a pass to someone with a clear path towards goal or somebody who can take a shot right away. It’s a pass that could’ve gotten caught under Foden’s feet. Almost a pass too close to him. Although there is a bit of space in behind Foden and he takes it.
In the image above, you can see this whole goal scoring play from the start. Lewis making the pass directly to Foden and Savinho way out wide, barely in the play.
Also, I wonder if quality Pep Guardiola is telling his Manchester City players to shoot from outside the box more often. If they can score from long distance, they can open up opposing teams’ defenses. Since they have a tendency to pack the box with nearly their entire team.
Watch Savinho’s first goal for Manchester City in the video below. It is a very good finish by Savinho.
Savinho nets his first goal for Manchester City to give them a crucial lead in Leicester. 👏
📺 Peacock | #LEIMCI pic.twitter.com/kzwt8NufxE
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) December 29, 2024
As the announcer says, Savinho doesn’t try to chip the soccer ball over the keeper for anything, but makes sure he scores by smashing it into the upper corner. The keeper, Jakub Stolarczyk, perhaps should’ve saved Foden’s first shot. However, it does take a balance right before it comes to him.
Savinho pounces on it and scores his first goal for Manchester City. During his celebration, he sort of wipes his hands down his jersey. As rightly so, scoring this goal is just a big relief to him – a weight off his shoulders. Plus, Savinho announces a new baby on the way after his goal!
Finally, Savinho grabbed an assist too, as his cross found the head of Erling Haaland.
