Manchester City survived a tough test from Brentford to stay unbeaten | OneFootball

Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season yesterday at the Etihad Stadium with a 2-1 win over Brentford. A brace from Erling Haaland was enough to see City pick up three points yesterday. But the champions had to fight all the way yesterday as Brentford pushed City all the way over 90 minutes.

Brentford deserve credit for the way they played yesterday, especially in the first half. Unlike most teams who visit the home of the champions who sit deep Thomas Frank’s side was determined to take the game to Pep Guardiola’s side. They took the lead through Yoane Wissa after 22 seconds as they went at Manchester City from the kickoff. Brentford also had more opportunities in the opening stages of the match to double their lead.

In the end, Manchester City overcame Brentford off the back of an Erling Haaland brace. But City weren’t at their best on the day, especially in the first half. They dominated the second half and perhaps should’ve won by more based on their second-half display. But in the first half, they had to overcome a quality display from Brentford, and on the back of Erling Haaland’s dominance, they did just that.

Speaking after his team’s win yesterday Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Thomas Frank and his team. Guardiola knew his team wasn’t at their best, especially in the first half. He told the media: “I don’t remember in eight, nine years a team that played like Brentford in the first 30 minutes. We were not our best and they deserve to be 0-2. Every time they had the ball they create the chance. Long balls, win duels, short passes break the lines. Extraordinary team, we have suffered since they were promoted, all the games against Thomas have been difficult. They were really good and we were lucky. Second half was our best and we created a lot of chances and we could score more.”

As all champion teams do Manchester City picked up three points despite being below their best yesterday against Brentford. It is a trait that Pep Guardiola’s team has shown in seasons past as they have dominated English football. They were forced to dig deep against Brentford at the Etihad Stadium to maintain their perfect start to the new Premier League campaign. But they did just that and will now prepare for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League tie against Inter Milan on the back of four consecutive wins to start the 24/25 Premier League season.