By Jack Gaughan for MailOnline
Published: 21:58 BST, 3 April 2019 | Updated: 22:18 BST, 3 April 2019
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Phil Foden reached for his phone as quickly as possible after Pep Guardiola read the team. He was in. Finally, a first Premier League start. Best tell the folks.
The 18-year-old's mum, Claire, picked up the message and from there giddy excitement took over a family who follow him up and down the country almost without fail.
They usually have seats behind the dugouts, hoping to catch a glimpse at some point, but this victory over Cardiff City - taking Manchester City back above Liverpool - offered a great deal more.
Phil Foden (right) shone for Manchester City in his first-ever Premier League start
The teenager midfielder showed his class as Manchester City beat Cardiff City 2-0 at home
Upon learning he would start, the 18-year-old text his mother Claire before the match
It was a night of significance, an opportunity Guardiola grasped to quieten the naysayers who claim the Catalan is slowing Foden's development. City certainly hope that those criticisms are proven unfounded in time.
Foden took this opportunity, although will not quite believe how he left without a goal, smacking the post with a volley and forcing Neil Etheridge into two fine stops.
There was no blockbuster moment yet this was a very profitable evening for him
