- Brentford – Manchester City 1-3
Phil Foden was in a class of his own against Brentford. The Briton scored once, twice and three times – and turned the game around for City, who had a difficult start to the match.
– Crazy impressive. They have been totally dominant, says Viaplay expert Pål André Helland about City’s performance.
The last goal for Foden was assisted by Haaland. The two combined well before Foden put the ball straight into the goal.
TAKEN OFF: Haaland played from the start and was substituted just before the end. Photo: REUTERS/David Klein Show more
– What a player and what an assist by Haaland. It’s just a matter of bowing and thanking. What a gift, exclaimed Viaplay commentator Roar Stokke.
Haaland was back from the start against Brentford, but there was no scoring for the Norwegian. Jærbuen had a huge opportunity early in the match, but the Norwegian was unable to roll it past Mark Flekken.
– If there is a match where it is most difficult to be a striker, it is perhaps against Brentford, said City boss Pep Guardiola to Sky Sports after the match.
Just after the end of the match, a discussion apparently arose between Guardiola and Brentford goalscorer Neal Maupay – attended by Haaland. When the City manager is asked about the situation that caused a stir, he replied:
– All is well.
THANKS FOR THE MATCH: Brentford goalscorer Neal Maupay and City manager Pep Guardiola. Haaland also in the picture. Photo: REUTERS/David Klein Show more
The match was the first Haaland played from the start since 6 December last year. Haaland has struggled with a foot injury since the beginning of December.
The 23-year-old has scored against 20 of the 21 Premier League teams he has faced. The exception is Brentford, according to the BBC. That statistic remained when Haaland left the field goalless in the 86th minute.
It became a topic of conversation with the Viaplay duo Roar Stokke and Lars Tjærnås.
– I think Guardiola appreciates the work he has done even if there was no goal, said Viaplay expert Tjærnås nonetheless.
City had the worst possible start to the match. Brentford’s last chance Mark Flekken – who at times stood like a wall in the Brentford goal – hit a long ball that went through the City defense and eventually found its way to Maupay. He was ice cold alone with the goalkeeper and sent the hosts into the lead.
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But the lead was regained.
The three points mean that City are in 2nd place in the Premier League – two points behind Liverpool at the top of the table with one game more played.
The main character himself in the match – Phil Foden – was naturally happy in the meeting with the press.
– I just want to try to improve every year, more goals and more assists. I have to continue to show this level more often, he says to Sky Sports.