Manchester City extended their perfect start to the Premier League season with a comeback win over Brentford, moving clear at the top of the table.
The game started in shocking fashion as Brentford stunned the Etihad with a goal just 23 seconds in. City’s defense crumbled, allowing Yoane Wissa to head home after a mix-up in the backline. Brentford, who could have easily been further ahead, failed to capitalize on their chances, and City made them pay. Erling Haaland, as clinical as ever, netted his eighth and ninth goals of the season, sealing another three points for the reigning champions.
Though he missed out on a third consecutive hat-trick, Haaland’s two goals were enough to drive City to victory, keeping their unbeaten run intact. Here’s how the players performed in this dramatic clash:
Ederson:
Shaky on the opening goal, but he redeemed himself with several important saves and good decision-making. His pinpoint distribution, especially the kick that led to City’s second goal, was a highlight. Rating: 8
Kyle Walker:
A chaotic display defensively, with poor positioning and miscommunication with John Stones leading to the early Brentford goal. Struggled throughout. Rating: 5
John Stones:
Arguably most responsible for the defensive lapse that allowed the first goal. His performance was error-ridden, making City vulnerable at the back. Rating: 5
Manuel Akanji:
City’s most reliable defender on the day. He stayed solid under pressure and contributed going forward. Rating: 7
Rico Lewis:
Gave Wissa too much space for the opener and never quite settled into the game. Substituted at halftime. Rating: 6
Mateo Kovacic:
Overrun in the midfield as Brentford dominated the opening exchanges. His clumsy tackling didn’t help, leading to his early exit. Rating: 6
Ilkay Gundogan:
Improved as the match wore on, connecting well with Haaland in the second half and helping City regain control. Rating: 7
Kevin De Bruyne:
A frustrating day for the Belgian. His usually impeccable touch and passing let him down, resulting in wasted chances and loose play. Rating: 6
Savinho:
Lively and purposeful in attack, always driving towards goal. However, his decision-making was questionable at times, including a booking for diving in an attempt to win a penalty. Rating: 6
Jack Grealish:
While he didn’t have the final pass or shot that delivered, he was constantly involved in City’s build-up play. Showed enough quality on the left flank to keep Brentford’s defense on edge. Rating: 7
Erling Haaland:
Simply outstanding. Two vital goals and a performance that kept City afloat after a difficult start. His presence continues to be game-changing, even after an emotionally challenging week. Rating: 9
Substitutes:
- Rodri (for Kovacic, 46): Brought composure to the midfield, steadying City in the second half. Rating: 7
- Josko Gvardiol (for Lewis, 46): Allowed Grealish to play more centrally by pushing forward on the left. Solid contribution. Rating: 7
- Ruben Dias (for Stones, 84): Came on late to help secure the win, but didn’t have enough time to make a big impact. No rating
- Bernardo Silva (for Grealish, 84): Came on late, with little time to influence the game. No rating
- Matheus Nunes (for Savinho, 90): Too late to make an impact. No rating
Not used: Ortega, McAtee, Foden, Doku
In the end, it was Haaland’s brilliance that bailed City out of what could have been a disastrous day. With their perfect start intact, City now look ahead to even tougher challenges as they continue to chase the title. Brentford, on the other hand, will be left ruing their missed chances early on, knowing they had City on the ropes but couldn’t finish the job.
