🔗 Share this article

Pep Guardiola achieved his two hundred and fiftieth Premier League win in record time, highlighting the team's ongoing championship aspirations despite a squad still evolving. The fall 2025 version of Manchester City doesn't have some past talent, but with Erling Haaland in devastating form, they continue to be a contender to consider.

Quick Breakthrough Sets the Pace

Only the ninth minute into the match, the Norwegian striker netted his 9th Premier League strike of the season. After a pass from the defender, Haaland bullied through Brentford's backline before blasting past keeper Caoímhin Kelleher. Now 25 and taking on a leadership role, he is evidently thriving under added responsibility.

The Team's Transformation and Struggles

Although City supporters chanted for Kevin De Bruyne, it highlighted that their current talisman now spearheads a new generation of talent. Absent are many proven winners, replaced by young players with potential. The change was evident in a match where they controlled the first half but grew tentative later, enabling the hosts to push back without the finishing to equalize.

Brentford's Gallant Effort

Keith Andrews saw his team fall short in their attempt to be the first since 1996 to beat each Manchester teams in back-to-back games. Despite a spirited performance, particularly in the final minutes, key moments escaped them. Andrews watched nervously from his dugout, as even the opposition boss appeared frantic by the conclusion.

Strategic Contest and Notable Incidents

Brentford fielded an identical side from last week, except one change coming in for Dango Ouattara. In contrast to the game against Manchester United, City limited space from the start, leaving Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade to subsist on limited chances. Home fans had little to cheer about in the opening half, save for when Gianluigi Donnarumma handled the ball comfortably.

On City, the winger was unexpectedly omitted, highlighting Guardiola continuing search for the optimal combination. The midfielder began after previous play but left early with a new problem, massaging his thigh in disappointment as his replacement came on.

Second-Hal​f Surge and Wasted Opportunities

Following the break, Brentford came out with renewed energy. A defender sparked impetus with a surge down the right side. One clear-cut chance went begging when Gvardiol pass set up a forward for a one-on-one chance that Donnarumma denied.

City tried to reestablish their flow, employing intricate ball movement to test the opposition backline. Andrews anguish was echoed by his captain's encouragement, and Brentford began to gain headway. Schade's break and another player's header missing suggested that the leaders' failure to extend their lead might hurt them.

Tense Conclusion

That Haaland was now assisting in stopping set-pieces offered Brentford hope. The visiting team doesn't have the killer instinct of past seasons, though their quality is still top-class. Once Henderson departed to jeers, a substitute and Bernardo Silva came on to calm proceedings.

In the dying stages, the Bees pressed ahead, earning a corner after a forward pressured Donnarumma, but City dealt with the threat. Subsequently, another chance arose when Aaron Hickey shot over from a good position. In injury time, Haaland and the manager were spotted guiding their players in unison, sealing a precious three points that highlighted their mutual role in the tests to come.