Tuesday night, Manchester City drew within one point of league leaders Liverpool after defeating Brentford 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

Erling Haaland scored his seventeenth goal of the season in the second half to give City the three points. Additionally, Haaland has now scored in each of his matches versus Premier League opponents.

Erling Haaland gave the Bees a scare early on when he won the ball back and attempted a long-range shot, but Mark Flekken collected the ball with ease. Just a sneak peek at City’s intended strategy for this match.

Despite Manchester City dominating the ball in the early stages of the game, Brentford would have the first real chance of the game and would feel that they should have taken the lead.

A long ball from the Brentford defence found Yoane Wissa with space in the midfield, and he played the ball through to an onrushing Frank Onyeka, who was one-on-one with Ederson but placed his effort straight at the Brazilian.

This time it was Pep Guardiola’s side that should have taken the lead via Bernardo Silva’s header. Kyle Walker’s well-timed run was picked out beautifully by Rodri, and the captain’s header across the box fell to Silva, who couldn’t find the target. Shortly after, Flekken denied Ruben Dias’ effort at the back post.

The Treble Winners were heavily banging at the Brentford door now as Oscar Bobb’s shot was cleared off the line by Ben Mee. The Norwegian latched onto a loose ball in the box, calmly moved past his defender, and fired past Flekken only to be denied by the former Manchester City defender on the goal line.

Manchester City went into the half-time break with seventeen shots but failed to find the back of the net. The Blues were creating lots of chances but not able to get the breakthrough. Meanwhile, Thomas Frank’s side were defending well and had big chances on the counterattack.

The sound of groans rang around the Etihad Stadium as Bernardo Silva’s free-kick was mis-hit and went out for a throw-in. The Cityzens had started the second half poorly and that free-kick had summed up the host’s performance after the break so far.

In the 71st minute, Manchester City finally broke the deadlock through Erling Haaland. Alvarez played the ball to the number nine, who raced past a fallen Kristoffer Ajer and made no mistake in slotting the ball into the net to open the scoring. That makes it seventeen goals for the Norwegian this season.

Erling Haaland was denied his second goal of the game shortly after scoring his first as Kyle Walker was marginally offside as the ball was played to him. Rodri’s beautiful diagonal pass found the fullback whose first-time ball across Flekken’s goal left an open net for Haaland to head home.

Phil Foden had a chance to get on the scoresheet late in the game as he burst through the Brentford defence and attempted to round Flekken, but the goalkeeper saw it coming and got a hand out to turn the ball wide.

At the full-time whistle, Pep Guardiola will be happy with the three points but will be concerned with the missed chances and lack of goals after scoring just twice in their last two games.

City will now travel down south to the Vitality Stadium to play Bournemouth on Saturday at 5:30 pm and will look to take all three points from Iraola’s side.

Player Ratings

Ederson – 7

Made good saves and distributed well. Kept a clean sheet.

Kyle Walker (C) – 7

Did well joining the attack and helped create from the right. Unlucky not to have an assist.

John Stones – 7

Moved the ball around the midfield swiftly and always looked forward.

Ruben Dias – 7

Had a tough challenge dealing with Toney but did well in stopping him.

Manuel Akanji – 7

Helped the attack and was always an extra man to pass to. Had some shots when available.

Rodri – 7

Tried to break the lines of the tight Brentford defence and was always available for the pass. Committed a few too many fouls.

Bernardo Silva – 7

Bridged the gap between midfield and attack. Missed a big chance in the first half.

Phil Foden – 7

Always looked to create around the Brentford penalty area but was often surrounded by defenders.

Oscar Bobb – 6

Unlucky not to have scored in the first half. Wasn’t heavily involved in the game but still had his chance.

Julian Alvarez – 7

Brentford’s low block didn’t allow him any room to operate. Had to drop deeper to get the ball and got the assist for Haaland’s goal.

Erling Haaland – 7

Didn’t get many chances but made the most of the one he got.

Substitutes:

Jeremy Doku – 6

Looked to add pace to the left side but didn’t get on the ball much.

Mateo Kovacic – 6

Didn’t have much time to impact the game but looked confident on the ball.