Manchester City found themselves in a promising position, leading 2-0 against Brentford with only minutes remaining, but they ultimately settled for a disappointing 2-2 draw in West London. The four-time defending Premier League champions were left frustrated after Brentford mounted a late comeback, scoring twice in the final minutes of the game.
The match began slowly for City, but Phil Foden changed the tide with a stunning brace, scoring in the 67th and 78th minutes. The first goal came from a precise cross by Kevin De Bruyne, allowing Foden to break the deadlock. For his second, Foden was quick to react to a rebound, giving City what looked to be a secure lead. However, Brentford responded fiercely. Yoane Wissa pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute, and Christian Norgaard equalized in the second minute of stoppage time with a header that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
This draw highlights a concerning trend for Manchester City, who have now only won one of their last seven away games in the Premier League. They currently sit sixth in the league, two points behind Chelsea, and are struggling to maintain consistency, particularly away from home. Pep Guardiola noted that the absence of key players such as Rodri, John Stones, and Ruben Dias due to injuries significantly affected the team’s performance, particularly in defending set pieces.
In prior encounters, City bested Brentford 2-1 earlier in the season, but injuries have taken their toll on the team since then, disrupting what was once a formidable squad. Looking ahead, both teams have pivotal matches; Brentford will face Liverpool while Manchester City takes on Ipswich Town.
This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of football, where leads can quickly evaporate, and injuries can dramatically alter a team’s fortunes. There is hope for Manchester City as they have shown resilience in past matches, and with their depth, they can look to regain momentum in the coming fixtures.