Brentford 0-1 Manchester City: Report, result and goals as Guardiola's side mark hard work of Bees

"The champions were dominant in the first half, suffocating Brentford with their possession-heavy approach. Their early pressure told in the ninth minute when Haaland, inevitably, made the breakthrough. Collecting a superbly weighted pass from Josko Gvardiol, the Norwegian turned Sepp van den Berg smartly before firing past Caoimhin Kelleher. It was Haaland's ninth league goal of the season, continuing his remarkable run of form and extending his streak to five consecutive games on the scoresheet."

"City's midfield orchestrated the tempo with typical authority, led by Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders. Foden and Bobb constantly interchanged in the half-spaces, tormenting the Brentford defence with sharp movement and quick passing. Foden, in particular, was a constant threat, forcing Kelleher into an excellent save midway through the half before narrowly missing the target on two further occasions. The visitors' control, however, was slightly undermined by an injury blow just before the half-hour mark."

"Brentford offered little resistance - recording no touches in the opposition box during the first 45 minutes, an unwanted first in their Premier League history. City went into half-time with 73% possession and an expected goals (xG) of 0.80 compared to Brentford's meagre 0.06, fully deserving of their 1-0 lead. The second half told a different story. Brentford emerged with more intent, their pressing sharper and their attacks more direct."

Manchester City won 1-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium courtesy of an early Erling Haaland goal. Haaland scored in the ninth minute after a superbly weighted pass from Josko Gvardiol and a composed turn past Sepp van den Berg to beat Caoimhin Kelleher. City dominated the first half with 73% possession and an xG of 0.80 versus Brentford's 0.06, while Brentford recorded no touches in the opposition box in the opening 45 minutes. Rodri was replaced by Nico Gonzalez after pulling up with a hamstring issue. The second half saw Brentford press more sharply and create a significant chance from a Gvardiol mix-up.

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