Man City vs Brentford LIVE: Goals and latest updates as Haaland ...
(REUTERS)
Manchester City beat Brentford 2-1 at home to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season after Erling Haaland netted twice following the fastest goal of the season from the visitors.
Brentford had the perfect start when Yoane Wissa opened the scoring 22 seconds after kickoff to stun the Etihad Stadium but Haaland restored parity in the 19th minute when he scored from a tight angle with just his second touch of the game.
Haaland then made it 2-1 when Ederson booted the ball upfield where the Norwegian striker outmuscled defender Ethan Pinnock and chipped the ball past goalkeeper Mark Flekken for his ninth goal of the season.
As Haaland searched for that third goal which would have made him the first player to score hat-tricks in three straight Premier League games, Flekken made several saves to deny the league’s top scorer but City held on to seal the three points.
Follow all the live action below:
FULL TIME! Man City 2-1 Brentford
GOAL! Haaland quickly adds a second to turn match around (2-1)
GOAL! Haaland equalises soon after for his eighth in four games (1-1)
GOAL! Wissa heads in after just 23 seconds to shock City (0-1)
Manchester City FC 2 - 1 Brentford FC
Erling Haaland adds another brace in comeback win for Manchester City17:16 , Karl Matchett
The phenomenal Erling Haaland took his Manchester City goal tally to 99 as the champions recovered from a first-minute setback to beat Brentford 2-1 on Saturday.
Haaland struck twice and was the width of the post away from becoming the first player in Premier League history to score hat-tricks in three successive games as City recorded their fourth straight win.
Pep Guardiola’s men were stunned by a goal from Yoane Wissa after just 22 seconds but Haaland, who now has nine for the season, turned the game around with a first-half double.
The striker had been a doubt for the game following the death of a close family friend but his performance was as good as ever.
Full report:
Erling Haaland adds another brace in comeback win for Manchester City
Manchester City vs Brentford17:08
It's full-time at the Etihad, and City have prevailed against a hearty Brentford side who didn't make things easy today. They began with great intent, raising the bar instantly from kick-off and scored after 22 seconds as the Cityzens failed to clear their lines following a right-sided cross from Nathan Collins and a header back from Keane Lewis-Potter. Yoan Wissa was the benificiary for that calamitous display, heading home his third goal of the season. After the hosts gradually re-built their confidence, the leveller arrived through the usual suspect of Erling Haaland in the 19th minute. The first of a double, he fired a deflected effort past Flekken, before ten minutes later, he'd lob the Dutchman, after a stunning through ball from Ederson. The second half was a hard-fought affair, yet City admittedly came closest of the two to adding to their score. If it wasn't for dedicated defending from Collins and further fine work from Flekken, the blunt and Wissa-less Brentford could've conceded another three easily in the second period. After this one, the 1.90 xG-grabbing City remain top of the table with 12 points, while Brentford sit in seventh. Thank you for joining us today, goodbye!
Manchester City vs Brentford17:00
FULL-TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 BRENTFORD
Manchester City vs Brentford17:00
We're over the alotted time here, City take it to the corner.
Manchester City vs Brentford17:00
Savinho's eventful day is done. He looks to be holding his right hamstring. Apart from his dive, he's been excellent. Matheus Nunes arrives to hopefully help settle some late nerves.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:58
A ball over to theh right-flank is brought down stylishly by Schade, yet the cross from Roeslev is poor and too hard. After this, Mbeumo plays it to Yarmoliuk and he fires with his left, yet it squirms low and wide. Did it take a nick there?
Manchester City vs Brentford16:56
There will be two minutes of additional time here.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:56
The floated ball comes in and Norgaard is in there at the front post. However, Gundogan ushers away the danger with expert nous. Goal-kick to Ederson.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:56
Carvalho surges forward in a rare Brentford foray on the left. Walker tracks back and clips the former Liverpool man. It's a free-kick in a dangerous area if the Bees can use this effectively.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:56
A stop-start spell sees Collins penalised a little further up from the Gundogan foul. City then move it up smartly, yet De Bruyne's final ball to Gvardiol is just too long and Flekken can claim.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:56
City's latest bout of pressure on Brentford's defence comes to an end with Gundogan's petty foul on Norgaard in the centre.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:48
Substitution Mikkel Krogh Damsgaard Yehor Yarmoliuk
Manchester City vs Brentford16:48
Substitution John Stones Rúben dos Santos Gato Alves Dias
Manchester City vs Brentford16:48
Collins goes into the book after a petty scene. He makes a nippy foul, but the yellow card looks to be more so for the remonstration with the referee.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:48
Haaland off the post and then Collins blocks with his body! City sweep the ball excellently from right to left with Rodri and Grealish involved. When it comes back to Haaland in the centre, he lashes one on to the left-post. When it's back out, he shoots again, and Collins dives in front of the ball. Brentford, try as they might, just can't clear and Haaland is in again on the left. He fires across and Flekken saves well down to his left side.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:44
Savinho receives the ball from Walker out on the right, and almost hovers on the ball, before quick-stepping in-field and cutting across before firing wide of the top-left corner! Exciting play.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:42
Yellow Card John Stones
Manchester City vs Brentford16:42
Gvardiol the striker? Grealish plays in the Croatian defender as he darts through the centre like a quality centre forward. He uses great pace to get away from his marker before jinking back and playing in Savinho on the right. The Brazilian opens his body to fire with his left, yet Flekken spreads himself excellently. Great save.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:40
Smart interplay between De Bruyne and Rodri sees a shot on the edge blocked by Damsgaard. It's quite surreal how quickly the hosts can create a chance within such little space.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:36
The latest City corner out of a recent plethora, arrives after Gundogan's shot is blocked by Collins. The hosts go short from the left before Gvardiol jinks in and plays Grealish. Again, it's blocked, but the play evolves to a shot from Walker... The right-back hits it hard and true, yet it whizzes just stray of the top-left corner.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:36
Substitution Kristoffer Vassbakk Köpp Ajer Mads Roerslev Rasmussen
Manchester City vs Brentford16:36
Substitution Vitaly Janelt Fábio Leandro Freitas Gouveia de Carvalho
Manchester City vs Brentford16:36
Haaland waits centrally and Gundogan, on the right byline, pulls it back nicely for the Norwegian to sting Flekken's right hand after a fine tip over!
Manchester City vs Brentford16:34
City press on with Grealish on the left. His run is halted, yet the ball trickles back to Flekken and he clears it straight at Savinho! Luckily for the Bees, it comes to nothing. Yet, the next phase sees a left-sided move flourish, with Grealish cutting back onto his right and shaping a shot which Flekken has to smartly divert away from the bottom-right corner!
Manchester City vs Brentford16:32
From the corner on the left, City go short. It's then played across the box and eventually makes its way to Savinho. Leaning back slightly, the young Brazilian lashes it over harmlessly.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:30
Gundogan fights admirably for the ball after being dispossessed. Brentford are camped out on the edge of their area as City, as they've done so many times today, look for that pass to unpick the lock. De Bruyne eventually crosses from the right for Haaland, yet Van den Berg heads it behind.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:28
De Bruyne goes for a deft pass for Grealish in behind from the left flank. However, the outside of the boot ball with his right is cut out smartly by Ajer. Brentford then try to build out from the next phase, yet there's very little room and they concede a throw-in.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:26
Brentford build up the pitch nicely with Mbeumo and Lewis-Potter. However, while the ball from the former to the latter is good, the Englishman's cross is poorly-struck and flies out for a goal-kick to Ederson.
16:24
Brentford fire a long free-kick up the pitch with Flekken. He goes for a flat delivery down the right wing but City are wise to it and retrieve possession. That was a tad wasteful there.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:22
Grealish strides at the Brentford defence, but they stand firm to give him no route though. He's forced to turn away but City simply switch wings before Savinho fires a cross straight at Flekken.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:20
In a small gritty period, City win the midfield battle. Mbeumo tries to jink his way through but a firm tackle from Gvardiol halts his progress.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:18
Despite losing their early lead, Brentford are holding up ok it seems. City have been a devastating unit of late too, winning each of their last 12 Premier League games, all by a margin of over two goals. Indeed, under Pep Guardiola alone, the Citizens are responsible for six of the 16 runs of 12+ consecutive wins by any clubs in English top-flight history (38%).
Manchester City vs Brentford16:16
City's early second half pressure continues. This time over on the left wing, Gvardiol earns his side a corner after linking up well with Grealish.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:12
Yellow Card Sávio Moreira de Oliveira
Manchester City vs Brentford16:12
We're back in action with a Manchester City kick-off.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:10
Pep opts for a double change at the interval as Rico Lewis makes way for Josko Gvardiol.
Manchester City vs Brentford16:10
Substitution Mateo Kovačić Rodrigo Hernández Cascante
Manchester City vs Brentford16:06
There's been a great pace and tenacity to this game, with the early exchanges seeing Thomas Frank's men seemingly giving City no room to breathe. As the game has gone on, of course, the hosts have made their own wiggle room. However, the visitors have not been far off it in terms of technical ability. Admittedly, they've had a better xG, with a score of 0.84 compared to City's 0.71. That said, Haaland has been machine-like today and the Bees will do well to mute him in the second 45 minutes. In fact, Brentford likely understand the task at hand. Manchester City are actually unbeaten in their last 68 Premier League matches when leading at half-time (W61, D7) with this dating back to 18th May 2021 against Brighton & Hove Albion (L2-3).
Manchester City vs Brentford16:04
The end of a frenetic half of football at the Etihad sees Manchester City lead by two goals to one, as they fought back from a stunning Brentford start. Wissa's headed opener just 22 seconds in was the fastest goal of the Premier League season so far, yet what likely frustrated City more, was the shoddy defending that handed the Bees the lead as Collins was allowed to cross from the right and Lewis-Potter was able to head back across before a botched City clearance was headed in by Wissa. The home side responded admirably though, turning on their robotic efficiency in the 19th minute as Haaland bagged his first of two goals when firing a deflected effort beyond Flekken. Just over ten minutes later, as Brentford looked to contest the pace of the game well, they were undone by as close to 'route one' football you'll see under Guardiola. Ederson lofted a beautiful ball over the Bees' backline and Haaland out-muscled Pinnock before lobbing Flekken with ease to score his ninth goal in just four matches.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:54
HALF-TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 BRENTFORD
Manchester City vs Brentford15:52
Lewis-Potter strikes from the left at Ederson. He punches it and sparks a little cluster of action in the City box. Despite losing one of their talismans, that's admirable intent there. City just survive a resulting corner from the left with a clearance.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:52
It's not a pleasant end to the first half for Brentford. After losing their early lead, they've now lost one of their forward stars to injury. Wissa limps off and makes way for Kevin Schade.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:50
This looks a lot worse than first perceived for Wissa. The Congolese international is down receiving medical attention to his left ankle. He may have to be replaced after that somewhat grizzly Kovacic challenge. It looks like a nasty twist.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:48
After a poor touch from a throw-in on the left, Kovacic is chasing Wissa. The striker smartly puts his body between ball and man as the Croatian lunges in. It's a desperate one from behind, and the former Chelsea and Real Madrid man is the first player in Darren Bond's book today.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:46
Brentford's back five is rigidly perched on the edge of their own box as City try and work the spaces. It goes right to Savinho, yet his low cross is blocked. The corner on that side comes in and Grealish strikes a volley straight at Haaland it looks like. That's a great block if he's in a Brentford shirt.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:42
Ederson looks to supply Haaland again, this time on the floor as he backs into Collins. The Norwegian plays it off to Savinho but can't get the return ball in behind his marker. Danger personified.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:42
Savinho receives the ball from Gundogan on the left side and cuts on to his left-foot to fire a curler at Flekken's goal. It's online, yet a routine stop for the Dutchman. With a little more power, that would've been a fine addition to City's eight first-half goals so far this season. That number is more than any other team in the Premier League this term.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:40
Almost instantly, City look to get another one as Grealish is played in clear on the left. However, he tries to square and Ajer sticks it over his own bar. With the corner, it drops to Savinho on the edge of the box and Collins blocks. Yet, he's done so at the detriment of his crown jewels. Ouch.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:36
Assist Ederson Santana de Moraes
Manchester City vs Brentford15:34
With this performance so far, Brentford are going against a key trend of theirs. Since the start of last season, the Bees have lost more Premier League away games (13) than any side currently in the competition. They've also lost each of their last five away league games against sides that finished the previous season in the Premier League’s top four. Looking good so far...
Manchester City vs Brentford15:34
Goal Erling Braut Haaland
Manchester City vs Brentford15:34
Norgaard takes a quick throw to Mbeumo and he crosses from the right. It's high, but Pinnock is there again and heads at Ederson's goal before the Brazilian tips over. The resulting corner from the left comes to nothing, yet Brentford have got their footing again within this frenetic opening half an hour.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:32
Brentford eventually build out from the pressure in their third and a counter results in a corner on the right. It comes in, Pinnock rises to beat Ederson - yet City contain the threat and clear.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:32
Lewis on the left plays it in-field to De Bruyne. He pulls off a quick ball roll feint to get away from Wissa, before firing low and wide with his left-foot. That was extremely quick thinking there.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:30
The ball has just been passed out by City and marks reprieve for Brentford. How quickly this game has changed... The Bees were camped deep in their own box just now, as the Cityzens played it from left to right, looking for that slight opening similar to their levelling goal. It's all about patience it seems.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:28
City's tails are up now. Brentford still try and play calm and considered, possession-based football, yet De Bruyne and co. press high. Flekken has just been rushed as the Belgian nearly tackled the Dutchman on his goal line! He just survived there.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:26
Haaland has now scored in his last four games in the competition (eight goals in total), his longest streak since a run of six games from 3rd May 2023 to 4th March 2023.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:22
Goal Erling Braut Haaland
Manchester City vs Brentford15:22
City force through another corner on the right side. Gundogan is short for De Bruyne. He gets it back and scampers down the right byline before Flekken makes a low save. However, it seems the Belgian maestro had just strayed offside.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:20
The hosts look to have woken up a bit here, and now De Bruyne has won another corner. This time on the right, Savinho takes but it's punched. In the next phase, De Bruyne fouls Mbeumo in over-eager fashion. Reprieve for Brentford.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:18
Pep Guardiola was asked if he’d have his star man Erling Haaland available for this one after the Norwegian striker suffered a bereavement this week, yet Haaland is in the starting line-up this afternoon. Guardiola makes four changes to the side that beat West Ham 3-1 last time out with Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Bernardo Silva and Jeremy Doku all dropping to the bench. In come Kyle Walker, John Stones, Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan, making his first start since rejoining the club. City are without Nathan Ake after he picked up an ankle injury on international duty. Rodri has yet to play for the champions this season, but after featuring in Spain’s 4-1 Nations League win over Switzerland last weekend, he could emerge from the bench today.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:18
Grealish dances down the left flank, yet his dummies are well-read and the ball is put behind for a corner on the left. It's whipped in deep by De Bruyne and Gundogan can only chase to no avail.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:16
So far, Brentford have really stifled City, while pressuring their defence with a plethora of great runs. Unless Guardiola's side wake up, this one could add to a fine record for the Bees. They have avoided defeat in their last six matches when scoring first in the Premier League, funnily enough, since a 1-3 loss to Manchester City on 5th February 2024.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:14
Ederson is forced into a quick-fire save from a right-sided corner! Brentford curl in the set-piece and Collins is unmarked in the middle of the penalty area to poke an effort on goal. He is denied by a brilliant reaction save from the Brazilian low down to his right.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:14
Ederson just had to fly out of his area to slide the ball away from Wissa! Mbuemo received the ball up on the right side before finding his strike partner in acres of space in the centre. City's early defending here has been near-comical so far. Where was everyone?
Manchester City vs Brentford15:12
City look to grow in confidence after this early scare. The ball is worked out to Savinho on the right, yet his cross is straight to Flekken.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:10
Brentford look confident in possession here. City will need to adjsut quickly or they could be in further early trouble. The Bees will likely be buoyed by the fact that they are the last away team to have won at the Etihad in any competition. That victory came back in November 2022 and, since that loss, City have won 38 games and drawn seven at home.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:08
Well, with that goal scored after just 0:22, Wissa has notched the fastest goal in the Premier League so far this season. That's his third of the campaign too.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:04
Goal Yoane Wissa Bileko
Manchester City vs Brentford15:04
We're underway here in Manchester as Brentford come forward.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:04
The players go through their final preparations here before the centre circle sees a moment of reflection and appreciation for Sven-Goran Eriksson. The Swedish managerial legend's funeral took place earlier in the week. Brentford look set to get us started here.
Manchester City vs Brentford15:04
Today's head official is Darren Bond. His team consists of assistants Adrian Holmes and Simon Long and fourth official Ben Toner. Darren England and Harry Lennard are on VAR duty. The referee leads the players out and the Premier League anthem blares.
Manchester City vs Brentford14:46
Bees' boss Thomas Frank makes two changes to his side that beat Southampton last time out. In come Sepp van den Berg and Keane Lewis-Potter while Kevin Schade drops to the bench and Mathias Jensen is not involved. Kristoffer Ajer’s foot problem has cleared up in time for this trip to City, yet Joshua Dasilva, Rico Henry, Igor Thiago and Aaron Hickey remain on Brentford’s injury list.
Manchester City vs Brentford14:46
BRENTFORD SUBSTITUTES: Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson, Ben Mee, Jayden Meghoma, Mads Roerslev, Ryan Trevitt, Yegor Yarmolyuk, Yunus Emre Konak, Fabio Carvalho, Kevin Schade.
Manchester City vs Brentford14:42
BRENTFORD (4-3-3): Mark Flekken; Vitaly Janelt, Ethan Pinnock, Sepp van den Berg, Nathan Collins; Mikkel Damsgaard, Christian Norgaard, Kristoffer Ajer; Keane Lewis-Potter, Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo.
Manchester City vs Brentford14:42
Pep Guardiola was asked if he’d have his star man Erling Haaland available for this one after the Norwegian striker suffered a bereavement this week, yet Haaland is in the starting line-up this afternoon. Guardiola makes four changes to the side that beat West Ham 3-1 last time out with Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Bernardo Silva and Jeremy Doku all dropping to the bench. In come Kyle Walker, John Stones, Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan, making his first start since rejoining the club. City are without Nathan Ake after he picked up an ankle injury on international duty. Rodri has yet to play for the champions this season, but after featuring in Spain’s 4-1 Nations League win over Switzerland last weekend, he could emerge from the bench today.
Manchester City vs Brentford14:36
MANCHESTER CITY SUBSTITUTES: Stefan Ortega, Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, James McAtee, Matheus Nunes, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden.
Manchester City vs Brentford14:36
MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Rico Lewis, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Kyle Walker; Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan; Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Savinho; Erling Haaland.
Manchester City vs Brentford14:36
Manchester City won their last Premier League match 3-1 at London Stadium against West Ham United, marking their third straight win. Brentford's last league outing saw them triumph 3-1 over Southampton at home, putting them in sixth place on six points in the early-season table. When the two sides last met in league action, City emerged victorious 1-0 at the Etihad last term with Erling Haaland scoring the lone goal for City in the 71st minute.
Manchester City vs Brentford14:30
Hello everyone, welcome to this live text coverage of Manchester City v Brentford as the season sparks back into life after the international break. This fixture sees two in-form sides meet. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are top of the league, having won their first three Premier League games this season and are, of course, powered by their Norwegian talisman Erlinhg Haaland. Already, he has seven goals this season (the best in the league), including a pair of hat-tricks. Today City welcome Brentford to the Etihad. Thomas Frank’s side have had a relatively bright start too. They’ve won two and lost one - that match against Liverpool, the only side other than City with a 100 per cent record this term.
Confirmed lineups14:08 , Karl Matchett
And for the visitors, there’s a full debut at centre-back for new signing Sepp van den Berg, who came in from Liverpool this summer. A rare start for Mikkel Damsgaard, too.
BRE XI: Flekken, Ajer, Van den Berg, Pinnock, Collins, Lewis-Potter, Norgaard, Janelt, Damsgaard, Wissa, Mbeumo
Confirmed lineups14:06 , Karl Matchett
The teams are in and here’s the Man City XI, with winger Savinho back to fitness and back in the side ahead of Doku or Foden, who are both subs.
MCI XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Akanji, Lewis, Gundogan, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Savinho, Grealish, Haaland
Your City XI for #MCIBRE ????
XI | Ederson, Walker (C), Stones, Akanji, Lewis, Gundogan, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Grealish, Savinho, Haaland
SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Dias, Doku, Rodrigo, Bernardo, Gvardiol, Nunes, Foden, McAtee#ManCity | @etihad pic.twitter.com/dUDFJQFb8o
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 14, 2024
13:00
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