Manchester City defeated Brentford 1-0, although Erling Haaland’s goal in the second half put them one point behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
After 71 minutes, Haaland scored the game’s winning goal thanks to a slip by Kristoffer Ajer, ending City’s nerve-wracking evening. Haaland was able to move past his nine wasted opportunities against Chelsea on Saturday.
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.
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 displayed greater promise going forward, and had Onyeka discovered the stricker with a through ball.
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.
Ahead of a pivotal month in the title battle, Haaland’s team, who is now 10 games unbeaten in the league, secured a crucial victory by confidently finishing past Flekken, scoring his first goal against Brentford.
The longer the goalless streak went on, the more peculiar the decision to leave De Bruyne on the bench seemed. After that, Guardiola made it clear that his hamstring pain was not dangerous.
Ajer’s unfortunate slip dissolved Brentford’s resistance after they lost 4-1 to Liverpool, allowing Haaland to pass through. For the second consecutive game, the wastefulness of the Bees was punished.
Haaland’s team, who are now 10 games unbeaten in the league, scored an important victory by comfortably finishing past Flekken, scoring his first goal against Brentford, ahead of a pivotal month in the title fight.
