Brentford produced a remarkable late fightback to salvage a point in their Premier League home clash against Manchester City.
Unsurprisingly, Pep Guardiola made wholesale changes from the side that started Saturday's dominant 8-0 FA Cup victory over Salford City, although Kyle Walker was absent once again as he closes in on a winter exit.
While one veteran looks set to leave, another experienced star played a key role in Man City's opener in the 66th minute, producing the perfect delivery for Phil Foden to guide home with his left foot.
Foden was soon celebrating his and Man City's second of the game, driving the ball home to seemingly put Man City in an unassailable position.
However, Brentford had other ideas, as they produced a stunning late fightback to salvage a point and deny the Citizens all three.
First, Wissa tucked the ball home from close range to give his side renewed hope and become Brentford's all-time leading Premier League scorer, surpassing the previous record that he shared with Ivan Toney.
Christian Norgaard completed the comeback in the second minute of stoppage time, and the Bees nearly went on to snatch maximum points when Bryan Mbeumo saw his late effort cleared off the line by Nathan Ake, ensuring an exhilarating contest finished all square.
The result moves Brentford up to 10th place in the Premier League table, while the Citizens are in sixth position and two points adrift of the top four.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Man City will be reeling after spurning a glorious opportunity to claim a fourth consecutive victory in all competitions.
However, Brentford's late fightback ultimately showcased the fragility of this Man City side despite their recent run of victories.
From Brentford's perspective, they would have felt that they more than deserved a point after creating several promising chances throughout the contest.
BRENTFORD VS. MAN CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Foden goal vs. Brentford (67th min, Brentford 0-1 Man City)
What a wonderful goal from Manchester City!
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 14, 2025
The man who scored 3 here last season, nets to give City a 1-0 lead!
How about that pass as well .. 🪄
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/NhYxtBzqQ6
Just moments after Damsgaard has a goal disallowed, Foden scores a legitimate goal at the opposite end of the Gtech Community Stadium. The England international opens his body up to steer the ball home with his left foot after meeting De Bruyne's inch-perfect delivery from the right flank.
Foden goal vs. Brentford (78th min, Brentford 0-2 Man City)
He just loves scoring at the Gtech 🐝🍯
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 14, 2025
Phil Foden makes it 2-0!
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/XS70jeyuCV
Foden finds the net to wrap up all three points. Foden drills a first-time shot into the awaiting net after latching onto Mark Flekken's parry from Savinho's powerful shot.
Wissa goal vs. Man City (82nd min, Brentford 1-2 Man City)
Wissa gets one back for Brentford! Game on at the Gtech! ⚽
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 14, 2025
📺@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/5d5Bgc8wqj
Brentford finally break through Man City's defences. Wissa controls the ball inside the six-yard box from Mads Roerslev's pass across the face of goal. The 28-year-old waits for Stefan Ortega to go to ground, before he fires home his 37th Premier League goal.
Norgaard goal vs. Man City (94th min, Brentford 2-2 Man City)
Christian Nørgaard levels the game in added time! ⏱️🤯
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 14, 2025
Scenes in West London! 2-2!
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/DwDffYzDhC
Norgaard rescues a point! The Brentford midfielder gets across his marker to meet Keane Lewis-Potter's inswinging cross. Ortega gets a hand to Norgaard's header, but he cannot prevent it from crossing the line.
MAN OF THE MATCH - PHIL FODEN
© Imago
Foden showed signs that he was getting back to his best in his impressive display despite the fact his brace was not enough to clinch all three points.
The 24-year-old demonstrated great composure and skill with his first finish, before he showcased a poacher's instinct saw him pounce on a rebound for his second.
It should also be noted that Kevin De Bruyne also played a crucial role, especially with his exquisite cross to set up Foden for the opener.
BRENTFORD VS. MAN CITY MATCH STATS
Possession: Brentford 44%-56% Man City
Shots: Brentford 18-21 Man City
Shots on target: Brentford 6-8 Man City
Corners: Brentford 4-5 Man City
Fouls: Brentford 4-0 Man City
BEST STATS
G/A in the Prem:
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) January 14, 2025
85 — Phil Foden
85 — Philippe Coutinho pic.twitter.com/9J4Ol2iYYv
Yoane Wissa writes his name into @BrentfordFC history 🐝
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 14, 2025
He has overtaken Ivan Toney as the club's all-time top goalscorer in the Premier League! 👏 pic.twitter.com/4RP7ZPVEy7
WHAT NEXT?
After missing out on maximum points, Man City will be looking to return to winning ways in Sunday's away clash with Ipswich Town.
As for the visitors, they will look to build upon their strong finish when they welcome Premier League leaders Liverpool to the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday.
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