Prior to tonight’s match, Haaland had successfully scored against 20 out of the 21 Premier League teams he had faced. He extended his list by adding Thomas Frank’s team to it, securing three valuable points for us.
Despite the determined and resilient visitors, we managed to secure a hard-fought victory, propelling us to second place in the Premier League standings. We now sit just one point behind the league leaders, Liverpool.
As expected, City started the game with their usual probing and pressing style, aiming to find an early goal. Their passing was precise and accurate as they looked to trouble Brentford from the start.
However, as the first half progressed, Brentford grew into the game and created a flurry of good chances. The dangerous Yoane Wissa was set up by last season’s match winner Ivan Toney in the 11th minute. Fortunately, John Stones showcased his defensive ability and agility with an impressive interception, preventing Wissa from having a one-on-one opportunity against Ederson.
Wissa continued to pose a threat for the opposition and played a pass to an onrushing Frank Onyeka in the 16th minute. Thankfully, our reliable goalkeeper, No.31, comfortably saved Onyeka’s shot. Onyeka’s decision to go for glory frustrated Toney, who was waiting at the back post.
In the 19th minute, Toney himself attempted a powerful 25-yard free-kick, narrowly missing the target.
Overall, the first half was a tale of two halves, with Brentford dominating the early stages and City responding with a flurry of chances of their own.
Julian Alvarez missed a chance on the turn, sending the ball high over the bar after receiving it from a Kristoffer Ajer clearance in the 26th minute.
Shortly after, the World Cup winner wound up his right foot for a shot that narrowly missed the target, causing him to express his frustration.
City then had four excellent opportunities in quick succession, showcasing their attacking prowess.
Bernardo almost scored in the 34th minute following a fantastic team play.
Rodrigo delivered a cross to Kyle Walker, who headed it towards Bernardo, but the midfielder’s header went wide.
Manuel Akanji, not typically a goalscorer, attempted a curling shot that was saved brilliantly by Mark Flekken.
Flekken made another impressive save moments later, denying a header from Ruben Dias.
The most promising chance of the half came from Oscar Bobb, who was making his Premier League debut.
Bobb’s shot was cleared off the line by Ben Mee after a clever feint in the box.
City continued to press forward in the second half, with Dias being denied by Flekken once again in the 43rd minute.
The second half began with City on the attack, while Brentford defended resolutely.
Guardiola’s team showed determination, but Brentford displayed resilience in a challenging environment.
The crowd cheered on City, seeking inspiration as Guardiola encouraged them from the sidelines.
The ground was energized at the crucial moment, and after a lot of effort in search of a crucial goal, Erling Haaland finally broke the deadlock on 71 minutes, finishing skillfully following a clever throughball by Alvarez.
Our top striker found the net once again on 81 minutes, guiding it home after a pass by Walker, but the sight of the official’s flag dampened the celebrations before they could truly begin.
As the clock counted down to full-time, it was a relief that City was the team on the attack in search of a second goal, with Phil Foden unleashing a powerful shot that Flekken acrobatically tipped over on 88 minutes.
The playmaker came even closer in the first of six minutes of added time, sprinting through before his shot on goal was saved by the Brentford goalkeeper.
When the final whistle finally blew, it was met with cheers, but surely relief was the prevailing emotion after a challenging match at the Etihad.