Manchester City finished the weekend fifth in the Premier League table following Sunday’s 1–0 win over Brentford, marking Pep Guardiola’s 250th win in England’s top flight since arriving in 2016.
Erling Haaland’s early goal decided the contest. Coming into the game, the Gtech Community Stadium was one of only two Premier League grounds that Haaland had played at without scoring—Anfield the other.
Joško Gvardiol’s long ball forward turned the Brentford centre backs towards their own goal, with Haaland latching onto and bulldozing his way through via strength, pace and clever feet. The left-footed finish was as clinical as you’d expect from someone on 11 goals in eight games so far this season prior to kick-off.
Brentford, for having been two goals ahead in 20 minutes against Manchester United a week ago, could barely lay a glove on City, who had to deal with losing Rodri to injury early on—the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner had a grave look on his face that hints at another frustrating setback.
Phil Foden and Oscar Bobb combined well in pockets towards City’s right flank, and the former would have been disappointed at dragging a shot wide from a good position half an hour in. The visitors were later denied what should have been a certain second goal soon after, as Caoimhín Kelleher’s strong reflex save stopped Tijjani Reijnders at the far post.
