Defiant Phil Foden claims that the Premier League's damning verdict on Manchester City hasn't affected their dressing room 'one bit'. City were recently found guilty of breaching 114 financial rules between 2009 and 2018, leaving a stain on their success both during that period and since.

The club strongly deny the charges which were first brought against them in February 2023, launching an appeal as their legal battle with the Premier League continues. It's been pretty much business as usual for City on the pitch, winning both of their league games since the verdict was confirmed.

Foden, 26, scored the opening goal in Saturday's 3-2 victory over Ipswich, a win that ensures they'll end the weekend top of the table. In his post-match interview, the midfielder was notably clutching an inflatable banana.

"I'm going to get one for my son as a present, I think," Foden told club media. "I think he wanted one, so I can give him one now."

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The bananas have become a symbol of City's defiance against the verdict which Foden insists hasn't changed anything for the players. "It hasn't affected us one bit," the 26-year-old added to Sky Sports.

"We've just stuck together, just did what we normally do and focus on the games one by one and just be ourselves. I think we've done that really well.

"We have great characters and leaders in the changing room. Nothing's changed. We're just fully focused and trying to do the best for the fans that we can."

Foden's strike early in the first half broke the deadlock, only for Ipswich to equalise two minutes later through Daizen Maeda. Erling Haaland gave City breathing room with two more goals, but a penalty from Zian Flemming in the 90th minute made it a nervy ending for the home team.

The victory means that Enzo Maresca has made the best start by a new manager in Premier League history, with City winning all seven of their top-flight matches so far. "First of all, I am very happy because it's a matter of winning games in this business," Maresca said.

"We were able to win seven in a row and what made me very happy was day-by-day with the players, the way they are working and how I can see them improving. Today I thought we controlled the game, created chances and were good off the ball. We are doing well and I think that’s the most important thing."