Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-1 Brentford (Premier League) | OneFootball

Erling Haaland grabbed a brace as Manchester City came from behind to win 2-1 against Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Following the victory, City sit top of the table and now four points above Liverpool following their 0-1 shock defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield. Erling Haaland’s goal tally now stands at nine, two more than any other club in the Premier League has been able so far.

Disaster struck within 25 seconds however, when Ederson and John Stones failed to clear a dangerous ball into the Manchester City penalty area, allowing Brentford’s Yoane Wissa to score via a free header into an empty net.

Despite trailing within the opening seconds of the contest, Manchester City were able to crawl their way back into the match in the 19th minute, when Erling Haaland scored from seemingly out of nowhere.

The Norwegian found himself on the edge of the six-yard box, with a tight angle and facing away from the goal. However, the 24-year-old striker turned and fired a shot into the bottom corner via a slight deflection.

After the equaliser, it didn’t take long for City and Haaland to grab the lead, when the Norwegian calmly chipped Mark Flekken to make it 2-1 in the 24th minute. An excellent goal, set-up by Ederson, who played a long ball over the Brentford defence.

Josko Gvardiol and Rodri were brought on for Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic at the half-time interval, and after a competitive first half that saw both teams create chances, the second belonged only to Manchester City.

The Sky Blues took full control and launched a barrage of attacks on Mark Flekken’s net. Erling Haaland and Savinho both had several chances to grab a third for Manchester City, but Brentford’s low block was too difficult to crack.

The defending Premier League champions ended the second half with 11 shots and 7 corners, all while holding their opponents to just a single shot. However, City were unable to extend their lead and the match ended 2-1.

The Sky Blues welcome Inter Milan next on Wednesday night in the first match of the new UEFA Champions League format, but before then, here are our player ratings from Manchester City’s latest Premier League win!

Player Ratings

Starting XI

Ederson – 7

Was partially at fault for the opening goal, but made a few more saves and had the excellent assist to Erling Haaland to make up for it. It’s been a shaky start to the season for Ederson but this was a return to form for the Brazilian.

Kyle Walker – 6.5

Fell asleep during the first goal but was mostly solid after the fact. Was much better in the second half and nearly had a goal.

John Stones – 6.5

Wasn’t anywhere close to his best in his first start for the club this season. It’s only one match but definitely something to keep an eye on.

Manuel Akanji – 7.5

Dependable as always.

Rico Lewis – 7.5

Solid as always, didn’t misplace a pass per usual. It’s the same rating every time. The challenge of operating on the left and drifting into midfield was a new system for the teenager to grasp at Manchester City, too.

Mateo Kovacic – 6.5

Wasn’t a poor performance but probably his worst of the season so far. Was pulled for his yellow card and Rodri did much better.

Ilkay Gundogan – 7.5

Hasn’t missed a beat since returning. It’s a shame he ever left to begin with because last season could’ve been even better if he was still in the side.

Kevin De Bruyne – 8

Continues to look like a much better version than who we saw at the end of last season. Creative as always without anywhere near as many turnovers.

Savinho – 7.5

Will be a Manchester City player for a long time. Only 20 years old but has already carved a spot for himself in the squad and has perfectly slotted in to the right wing spot.

Erling Haaland – 9 (MOTM)

Best player in the world. Both goals came from nowhere and there’s maybe not any other player in world football who can do what he can.

Jack Grealish – 7.5

Was excellent throughout, was unlucky to have not picked up either a goal or an assist during the second half attack.

Substitutes

Josko Gvardiol – 7.5

Despite a shaky performance against Manchester United in the Community Shield, the Croatian has improved after every performance this season.

Rodri – 8

Immediately looked back at home, the most important player on the team.

Bernardo Silva – No time to mark

Ruben Dias – No time to mark

Matheus Nunes – No time to mark