Manchester City vs Brentford 1-0: Match Report and Highlights
Manchester City vs Brentford: In a thrilling encounter, Erling Haaland shines as Manchester City secures a crucial victory against Brentford, moving within one point of Premier League leaders Liverpool. Despite a frustrating performance against Chelsea, Haaland’s second-half goal proved decisive, propelling City to a 1-0 win.
Anxiety at the Etihad had increased after Bernardo Silva’s shocking first-half miss and Ben Mee’s off-the-line clearance to deny Oscar Bobb on his maiden league start, but Haaland’s 17th league goal gave the home team their seventh league victory in eight games.
Having won their game in hand, City moves up to a point above Arsenal while continuing to put pressure on Liverpool, who visit Luton on Wednesday night in the league. The champs’ tough March schedule includes games against Man Utd, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
Following the match, Pep Guardiola disclosed that Kevin De Bruyne, an unused replacement, was not well enough to participate due to hamstring soreness. “It’s just a precaution but he didn’t feel comfortable and so after five months off we didn’t take any risk,” he explained.
Although Frank Onyeka and Yoane Wissa had opportunities to score in the first half, Brentford wasted them once more. With just two wins in their previous 11 league games, Thomas Frank’s team is five points above the relegation zone.
How Brentford was defeated by Manchester City
Although Man City had the better of the early possession, Brentford had the better opportunities, as John Stones had to be alert to clear Toney’s through ball to Wissa. On the break, City was at their most vulnerable and maybe ought to have been penalized.
Despite being one-on-one with Ederson at an angle and without a goal for Brentford in 67 appearances, Frank Onyeka fired straight at the Man City goalkeeper. When Wissa had a chance to score, his misplaced touch cost him the opportunity.
Despite his best attempts, Haaland, who had failed to score in his previous two outings for City, was more frustrated in the first half. Both Manuel Akanji and Toney missed long range attempts, and the Man City defender’s attempt was deflected.
As City struggled in the last third, the tension inside the Etihad rose. The sight of Silva missing from five yards out did not improve the atmosphere. Brentford held on as Ben Mee also cleared Bobb’s attempt off the line.
After the interval, City failed to muster any momentum as Brentford held them at bay. Once more, the visiting team looked more promising going forward. Had Onyeka found the striker with a through ball, Toney might have tested Ederson one-on-one.
The choice to sit De Bruyne on the bench seemed increasingly strange as the goalless period extended. Guardiola then clarified that his hamstring ache was not a risk.
After losing to Liverpool 4-1, Brentford’s resistance was broken by an unlucky slip by Ajer, which let Haaland walk right through. The Bees were punished for their wastefulness for the second straight game.
Pep praises Manchester City and explains on De Bruyne injury
“It’s really challenging to play against Brentford. They stole six points from us the previous season. They have amazing organisational skills. Toney is an amazing player who excels at retaining the ball in his hands.
“After that, they excel in every aspect, including free kicks and throw-ins.
We had plenty of opportunities to produce despite how difficult it is to generate against them, and we played a really solid game. We won our game, so we’re back on track now. The hardest part of the season is now upon us.”
He continued, “Today we could not use Kevin because he had niggles in his hamstring and I didn’t want to take a risk,” adding, “He’s okay.” Regarding his absent captain. We didn’t take any chances after five months off since he didn’t feel comfortable, but it’s simply a precaution.”
Mills believes City will reclaim the title
“Erling Haaland’s one-on-one finish was outstanding.” It is evident that he exudes confidence.Brentford’s strategy was nearly flawless, therefore they were unfortunate. They occasionally had nine, ten, or eleven men behind the ball, which exasperated City.
But City found a way, as champions do. These kinds of games require winning. City has succeeded in doing that.Although I think the title competition will be exciting, I still think City will win.Although City still has important games to play, they are virtually the incoming champions.”
Brentford boss Thomas Frank: City don’t need that luck
Extremely happy with the performance and extremely proud of the team. We are aware that they are the greatest team in the world and the league, and they are very hard to stop.
“We gave them very little space. The header from Bernardo Silva and the blocked Bobb opportunity. Due to the slip, till the goal. They don’t need that kind of luck to cross the finish line since they are good enough.
“We were in command defensively in the second half, in my opinion. I believe we were on the verge of doing something, and we had several chances. I am happy that we have returned to that intense defensive urgency.”Even though it appears that the margins are not in our favor, we must maintain our faith.”
Man City is still undefeated at home
Manchester City has now played 35 games (W30 D5) without a loss at home in all competitions, and they have scored in each of their previous 54 visits to the Etihad Stadium.
Erling Haaland of Man City is currently unbeaten against every team he has faced in the Premier League; he is only the second player in history to have scored against every team he has faced, behind only Harry Kane (32/32).
More than any other player, Erling Haaland scored the first goal for Man City, making it his seventh consecutive Premier League goal of the season. In the end, it was his fifth winning goal in the competition this season; only Ollie Watkins has scored more.
As many losses as Brentford had in their previous 46 games combined (W18 D17), they have now suffered 11 losses in their last 14 Premier League games (W3).
Upcoming Games for both Teams
On Saturday Night Football (kick-off at 5.30 p.m.), City plays at Bournemouth; on Monday Night Football (kick-off at 8 p.m.), Brentford plays at West Ham United. Both games air live on Sky Sports.
