What if Brentford were Manchester City’s opponent who could change everything in the title race? It is the first leg, for the 18th day, which has been postponed, due to the Club World Cup, to February 20. The return phase match was played this Monday, on the pitch of the Bees, 15th in the standings at kick-off. And for Manchester City, the opportunity was great to get closer to the lead, following Arsenal’s victory against Liverpool this weekend.
But against all expectations, it was Brentford who opened the scoring through Frenchman Neal Maupay, who took advantage of an improbable Mancunian defensive passivity, on a clearance from his goalkeeper Mark Flekken (1-0, 21st). Manchester City laid siege to the Brentford defense, but came across a goalkeeper in a state of grace, author of several spectacular saves. The Citizens managed to equalize thanks to Foden in added time of the first period (1-1, 45+3). The English international did it again at the start of the second period, heading on a caviar from De Bruyne (1-2, 53rd). Brentford revolted and managed to create a few situations. But Foden killed all hope, scoring a hat-trick, after a good relay from Haaland (1-3, 70th). With this success, Manchester City moves back ahead of Arsenal and returns to two points behind Liverpool, while counting one game less. Faced with Brentford therefore.
