Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-1 Brentford (Premier League)
On Saturday afternoon, Manchester City rallied from behind to defeat Brentford 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium, with Erling Haaland scoring twice.
Following the win, City is currently four points ahead of Liverpool, who lost 0-1 to Nottingham Forest at Anfield. Erling Haaland now has nine goals, two more than any other Premier League club has managed thus far.
Disaster happened after 25 seconds, as Ederson and John Stones failed to clear a dangerous ball into the Manchester City penalty area, allowing Brentford’s Yoane Wissa to score with a free header into an empty net.
Despite falling down in the first few seconds of the game, Manchester City managed to claw their way back into the game in the 19th minute, when Erling Haaland scored seemingly out of nowhere.
The Norwegian found himself on the edge of the six-yard box, at a tight angle and looking away from the goal. However, the 24-year-old striker turned and struck into the bottom corner with a tiny deflection.
After the equalizer, City and Haaland quickly took the lead, with the Norwegian simply chipping Mark Flekken to make it 2-1 in the 24th minute. Excellent goal, set up by Ederson, who sent a long ball over the Brentford defense.
Josko Gvardiol and Rodri were brought in for Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic at half-time, and after a contested first half in which both teams created opportunities, the second belonged solely to Manchester City.
The Sky Blues grabbed complete control and sent a torrent of shots at Mark Flekken’s goal.Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Savinho each had multiple opportunities to score a third goal, but Brentford’s low block proved too difficult to penetrate.
The defending Premier League winners finished the second half with 11 shots and 7 corners while limiting their opponents to only one shot. However, City were unable to increase their lead, and the game finished 2-1.
The Sky Blues face Inter Milan on Wednesday night in the first match of the new UEFA Champions League format, but before, here are our player ratings from Manchester City’s latest Premier League victory!
Was mainly to blame for the initial goal, but made a couple more stops and provided a fantastic assist to Erling Haaland to compensate. Ederson had a rough start to the season, but this marked his return to form.
Fell asleep for the first goal, but was pretty solid after that. Was much better in the second half, and almost scored a goal.
John Stones – 6.5
Wasn’t at his best in his debut start for the team this season. It’s only one match, but it’s absolutely worth keeping an eye on.
Dependable as always.
Rico Lewis – 7.5
As usual, solid play, with no passes misplaced. The rating is consistent each time. At Manchester City, the adolescent had to learn a new system by playing on the left and moving into midfield.
Mateo Kovacic – 6.5
It wasn’t a bad performance, but it was definitely his poorest of the season thus far. Rodri performed significantly better after receiving his yellow card.
He has not missed a beat since his comeback. It’s a shame he departed in the first place, since last season might have been much better if he had stayed.
Kevin De Bruyne – 8.
Continues to appear like a far superior version of the person we saw at the close of last season. Creative as always, but with many fewer turnovers.
Savinho – 7.5.
Will be a Manchester City player for a long time. Despite being only 20 years old, he has already carved out a role for himself in the squad, slotting nicely into the right flank position.
The best player in the world. Both goals came out of nowhere, and there may not be another player in global football who can do what he does.
Was fantastic throughout, but was unlucky not to have scored or assisted during the second half onslaught.
Substitutes
Josko Gvardiol – 7.5.
Despite a disappointing showing against Manchester United in the Community Shield, the Croatian has progressed with each game this season.
Rodri – 8
Looked back at home, the team’s most significant player.
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