Manchester City secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Brentford in this closer than expected Premier League encounter. An early goal from Brentford's Yoane Wissa sent shockwaves through the Etihad Stadium, but the ever-reliable Erling Haaland found the net twice before halftime to ensure his side went into the break with the lead. Both teams had their fair share of chances, but City’s superior possession and shot accuracy ultimately tipped the balance in their favour.
Brentford put up a valiant fight, especially in the second half, but struggled to break down a resolute City defence. Despite their efforts, Pep Guardiola’s side held firm, with key players like Ederson and Haaland standing out. The victory keeps City on course in their title challenge, while Brentford will be left to rue missed opportunities.
Manchester City Player Ratings
Manchester City produced a dominant display, especially in possession, controlling 54% of the ball and unleashing 18 shots at the Brentford net. Ederson was key in securing the win, making several crucial saves to keep City ahead after Brentford’s early strike. Haaland, as always, was lethal in front of goal, scoring both of City’s goals to take his tally higher in the golden boot race.
In defence, Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias were solid, while Rico Lewis struggled at left-back. Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne created several chances, though their end product was sometimes lacking. However, it was the solid teamwork and composure that helped City maintain their lead despite the physical Brentford attack.
Here are the player ratings for Manchester City:
Brentford Player Ratings
Brentford’s performance was filled with effort, but they ultimately came up short. Yoane Wissa’s very early goal gave the visitors hope, but they couldn’t sustain the pressure. Their midfield was industrious, with Christian Nørgaard putting in a strong performance, though their defence struggled against Haaland’s clinical finishing. Keeper Mark Flekken made some key saves but was overwhelmed by City’s constant attacking threat.
Their five-man defence, led by Ethan Pinnock, stood tall at times, but Brentford’s full-backs struggled to contain City’s wide players. Despite the loss, the team showed resilience, but there was a clear gap in quality between the two sides.
Here are the player ratings for Brentford:
Best Player of the Match - Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland once again proved to be the match-winner for Manchester City, scoring both of his side's goals. His clinical finishing and physical presence continue to trouble defenders across the league, and his brace today ensured City came away with all three points.
Worst Player on the Pitch - Keane Lewis-Potter
Keane Lewis-Potter struggled throughout the game, failing to deal with City's attacking threats. His positioning and decision-making were questionable at times, and he was unable to make an impact going forward. A disappointing outing for the young left-back.
