Manchester City entered the field this Saturday in their last match before the stop for the World Cup in Qatar, but did not have a happy morning. The team ended up being defeated by Brentford at home, by 2-1, and lost the opportunity to take the provisional leadership of the English Championship.
Pep Guardiola’s team is in second place, with 32 points, but could see Arsenal open five ahead in the lead if they defeat Wolverhampton this Saturday. The goals of the game were scored by Ivan Toney (Brentford), twice, and Phil Foden (Manchester City).
Brentford’s feat ended Manchester City’s 16-game winning streak at the Etihad Stadium. This was the club’s first away win over Citizens since 1937.
Star Haaland, in turn, returned to his team’s starting line-up after recovering from a foot injury. The Norwegian, however, had an erased participation and did not go to the nets. He was well marked by the consistent Brentford team, who played hard and jumped to 11th place in the Premier League.
City, which has a 14-man squad from Qatar, will only return to the field on December 20, two days after the end of the World Cup. It will be a duel against Liverpool, for the round of 16 of the English League Cup.
First time
The first half was busy. Brentford had two dangerous chances after three and five minutes, with Onyeka and Ivan Toney, but goalkeeper Ederson saved both opportunities.
At 15, the home team couldn’t stand the surprising pressure from the rival and Toney opened the scoring with a header, covering Ederson in an aerial dispute with Laporte.
City still claimed the penalty twice: in the 26th and 28th minutes. The first was reviewed by VAR, but the infraction occurred outside the area. The second happened after Henry made contact with De Bruyne, but the referee saw nothing.
The Citizens reduced the loss in additions, at 46, with Phil Foden. The English midfielder took advantage of a leftover at the entrance to the area, after a corner kick, and corrected a quick kick, in the angle.
Second time
The beginning of the final stage was troubled, as Laporte collided with Pinnock inside the penalty area, his face was bleeding and he had to be attended to. Despite the scare, the defender continued in the match.
City had a chance to turn around in the 20th minute, after a table between Gundogan and Haaland, but the German sent it over. Already at 25, it was the visitors’ turn to almost score. Henry arrived with danger, but Laporte appeared with a cart to save an almost certain goal.
At 45 minutes, Toney almost broke the tie in a submission in the small area, but Ederson saved the shot. The home team entered “despair mode” in the last few minutes and started to lift balls in the area, without success.
Brentford, then, took advantage of the spaces to kill the match in a counterattack led by Wissa, at 52 minutes. He played for Dasilva who dribbled the mark and rolled for Toney to score for the goal.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
