Manchester City have won the catch-up game against FC Brentford and moved up to second place in the Premier League. The Citizens struggled for a long time before Erling Haaland finished off a counter-attack with aplomb
Because Manchester City were at the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia at the time of matchday 18, the Premier League game against FC Brentford had to be rescheduled. Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola made three changes after the 1-1 draw against Chelsea FC and handed Bobb his starting debut in the Premier League. Stones and Bernardo Silva also started alongside the 20-year-old. Aké, De Bruyne and Doku moved to the bench.
Brentford coach Thomas Frank also made three changes: Jörgensen, Onyeka and Wissa started compared to the 4-1 defeat against Liverpool FC. Collins, Jensen and Maupay had to make way on the bench
City have problems – flood of chances remains without yield
Brentford were the last opponents to beat the Citizens at their own stadium – in November 2022. The Bees posed problems for the favorites this time too: Brentford stood firm at the back and withstood the Skyblues’ pressure. Individual chances such as Foden’s (7′) came to nothing.
City stood tall and pinned Brentford FC back in their own half. However, the counter-attacking defense was not always effective and the visitors were able to switch quickly on several occasions. Onyeka had the best chance, but his shot was too central on Ederson (16′).
After just over half an hour, City turned on the heat and suddenly created chances by the minute. Bernardo Silva headed wide of the target from a few meters out (34′), Akanji from distance (35′) and Ruben Dias with a header (36′) failed to beat Flekken and Bobb was denied by Mee, who cleared off the line (37′).
Haaland score after a counter-attack
The flood of chances came to a premature end after the break: As was the case for long stretches of the first half, City struggled to find a way into the opposition penalty area. Brentford’s defense held firm, the offense lurked in transitional actions.
Of all things, it was this approach that City used to decide the game: The home side counter-attacked through Rodri and Alvarez. Because Ajer slipped away, Haaland had a clear run. The Norwegian kept his cool and confidently slotted past Flekken (71′).
Haaland’s second goal was disallowed for offside (80′). Because Brentford had no answer, the Sky Blues held on for a narrow victory and will host Bournemouth next Saturday (18:30). Brentford play at West Ham United next Monday (9pm)
