Mexico City – On the verge of securing a third successive Premier League victory, confirming a turning point in Manchester City’s fortunes, Pep Guardiola’s side let victory slip away in the 92nd minute, facing the harsh reality of their season when Ortega’s intervention failed to stop Norgaard’s powerful header, which eclipsed Foden’s double.
Lingering far from the relegation zone and without European aspirations, Brentford played freely in their matches. Showing no fear against any opponent, they used direct football that created danger in three touches for those who did not watch their backs. Able to equalize even though they were down by two goals in ten minutes, they even almost came back with a shot from Mbeumo, saved by Aké just at the end of added time.
Having recently been knocked out of the FA Cup by bottom of the English Second Division, Brentford went through various phases during the match. They were momentarily confined to a 6-4 defensive pattern when City pressed, but they never relinquished the danger posed by the Mbeumo-Wissa duo.
There were times when Brentford took comfort in testing Stefan Ortega, who produced a low save to block a left-footed shot from Mbeumo after his explosive run. The London team showed composure, with clear ideas, only disrupted when De Bruyne found space to create danger. He did so from the left with a cross that marked the first appearance for Haaland, who headed a header towards the post at the far post.
Things got tense for the home side on the restart after they came close to taking the lead with Jensen’s side-footed free-kick which Collins headed home. The scare triggered a reaction of intensity never seen from City recently. Savinho, showing elegance in his running, hit the post with a deadly left-footed shot. De Bruyne also almost scored.
The match turned into an exchange of blows. As Mbeumo wasted chances, Haaland did the same with a centered header. If Ortega stopped Janelt’s attempt, Haaland was frustrated by the individualism of Savinho, who hit the side of the net while two unmarked teammates were ready to score. And in this exchange of goals, after Damsgaard had a goal ruled out for offside, Foden decided the result with finesse. With a delicate inside touch, positioning his body superbly, he hit the post with a left-footed shot aimed centrally from De Bruyne’s right side.
It was the 66th minute, and the City team deserved it for their persistence. They doubled their advantage following Aké’s crucial intervention just as the stadium celebrated an equalizer. Under the crossbar, he saved Wissa’s shot as Ortega was beaten. Once again, Savinho, with speed, exposed Roerslev, struck at goal, and Foden took advantage of the rebound sent into the net after the goalkeeper’s save.
With twelve minutes remaining and a two-goal lead, it looked like the game was settled. That’s how Guardiola’s players must have felt as they eased into their defensive duties. Brentford’s first goal illustrated this, as Bernardo Silva lost sight of the ball behind him, extended by Aké’s lax marking on Wissa, who scored with ease.
The match was resurrected, and the final moments were completely unpredictable when City could have scored a third goal with their opponent committed forward. De Bruyne and Savinho missed chances, McAtee grazed the post, and in the 92nd minute Lewis-Potter’s left-footed cross from the right provided a perfect ball for Norgaard’s powerful header following a jump impressive. Ortega’s stretch, who barely touched the ball, couldn’t stop Guardiola’s side from retracing their steps once more.
