Player Ratings as Brentford Stun Man City with Incredible Late Comeback | OneFootball

Brentford 2-2 Manchester City: Late Drama Sees Bees Stun the Cityzens

Manchester City were left stunned as Brentford’s late resurgence saw them snatch a 2-2 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium. City’s positional dominance seemed set to deliver a routine victory, but the hosts delivered a spirited comeback to deny Pep Guardiola’s men all three points.

City Control, But Brentford Resilient

The opening stages showcased Manchester City’s trademark control and precision. Brentford found themselves pinned back for much of the first half, with City enjoying plenty of touches inside the opposition box. Despite their territorial advantage, the visitors struggled to convert that dominance into clear-cut chances, managing only two shots on target before half-time.

Savinho struck the post shortly after the interval, a warning shot that Brentford ignored at their peril. Erling Haaland, unusually wasteful, missed a golden opportunity with a header. It was Phil Foden who finally broke the deadlock, latching onto Kevin De Bruyne’s exquisite cross to fire home a stunning volley.

Nathan Ake’s goal-line clearance preserved City’s lead, and when Foden doubled the advantage with a rebounded effort, it looked like the visitors would cruise to victory. Yet Brentford, buoyed by their raucous home crowd, had other ideas.

Photo: IMAGO

Brentford’s Late Heroics

With just eight minutes of normal time remaining, Yoane Wissa capitalised on a defensive lapse to halve the deficit. The goal breathed life into the home side, and suddenly, City were on the ropes.

Christian Norgaard’s equaliser in stoppage time sent the Gtech Community Stadium into raptures. The Brentford skipper rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross, completing a remarkable comeback.

There was even more drama to come. Brentford thought they had snatched a famous winner in the dying moments, only for Ake to make another crucial clearance off the line. In the end, City had to settle for a point, shell-shocked by their late collapse.

Tactical Observations

City’s control of possession is rarely in doubt, but their inability to kill games off remains a concern. Brentford’s persistence and physical approach proved troublesome, especially in the latter stages. Guardiola’s side continues to show vulnerability in defending set pieces and crosses — a weakness that Norgaard exploited to devastating effect.

Meanwhile, Brentford deserve immense credit for their never-say-die attitude. Thomas Frank’s tactical changes in the second half paid dividends, and his players’ resilience epitomises the spirit that has made them a Premier League mainstay.

Player Ratings

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Manchester City:

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