Erling Haaland continued his remarkable scoring streak, netting twice in Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Brentford, as the hosts came from behind to secure all three points.
Brentford stunned the champions by scoring the fastest goal of the season, with Yoane Wissa finding the net just 22 seconds into the match. Despite Brentford’s strong first-half performance, marked by ample possession and creating more expected goals, it was Haaland’s finishing that turned the tide. The Norwegian star, who had been a doubt for the match due to the death of a close family friend, responded with goals that brought his season tally to nine, making him the first player in Premier League history to achieve this in the opening four games.
As the match progressed, City gained control, with Haaland hitting the post and narrowly missing a hat-trick that would have made him the first player to achieve three consecutive hat-tricks in the Premier League. City welcomed back Rodri from injury in the second half, and despite several chances for Haaland, he was saved by Brentford’s keeper Mark Flekken on a couple of occasions.
With this win, City remains perfect in their quest to defend their Premier League title, having secured four wins from four matches this season.
Guardiola: Brentford Deserved More
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged Brentford’s strong performance, stating, “I don’t remember a team playing like Brentford did in the first 30 minutes in my eight or nine years here. We were not at our best, and they deserved to be up 0-2. Every time they gained possession, they created chances with long balls and short passes.”
He praised Brentford as an “extraordinary team,” reflecting on the difficulties City has faced against them since their promotion, and noted, “They were really good, and we were lucky. The second half was our best, and we created many chances.”
Analysis: City Must Do Better
Sky Sports’ Oli Yew highlighted Brentford’s impressive display, stating, “They certainly had the champions worried, particularly with their sharp counter-attacks. However, missed chances proved costly; Bryan Mbeumo should have scored to put Brentford 2-0 up early, and Keane Lewis-Potter failed to convert a good opportunity to level in the second half.”
He emphasized the danger of underestimating Manchester City: “Even when they start poorly, they tend to finish strong, especially with a clinical goalscorer like Haaland. At this early stage, City looks ominous.”
Vulnerability in City’s Defense
The analysis also mentioned that “Manchester City’s defense has seemed more vulnerable in recent seasons, especially at home.” Brentford exploited this vulnerability effectively, exposing gaps during transitions and scoring in just 22 seconds.
Interestingly, this match marked the second time under Guardiola that City allowed five or more shots on target in a first half at home. The pattern of conceding at least once in 15 of their last 21 home matches raises concerns but also presents a potential blueprint for other challengers to follow.
As Manchester City continues its title defense, the focus will be on addressing defensive issues while maintaining their formidable attacking prowess.
Credit: Sky Sports
