Here are the City player ratings as Pep Guardiola’s side seized their moment with a crucial 3-1 win over Brentford at the GTech Community Stadium. Given the opportunity on offer after Liverpool’s loss to Arsenal City needed to pick up all three points to put pressure on the league leaders.
By the time the final whistle arrived, Pep Guardiola’s side had done just that. A sublime hat trick from Phil Foden inspired the champions to a crucial win. Despite dominating the opening 20 minutes they fell behind to a Neil Maupay goal in the 21st minute.
Despite dominating the first half it appeared that City would go in 1 down before Phil Foden equalised for City on the stroke of halftime.
There were more Foden heroics to come in the second half. He gave City the lead in the 53rd minute. He expertly headed home from a sublime Kevin De Bruyne cross.
Manchester City’s boy wonder would then secure the champions all three points in the 70th minute. After getting on the end of a tidy layoff from Erling Haaland he calmly slotted the ball past Brentford Mark Flekken to wrap up all three points for Pep Gaurdiola’s side.
It was a massive victory for City. It moves them to within two points of Liverpool with a game in hand. In the scheme of the season, it did feel like a big moment. It was also City’s 9th consecutive win in all competitions as they are beginning to click into gear at the right time of the season.
City player ratings
Ederson-5/10: A strange performance from City’s number one keeper. Made a couple of good saves but not at his best with his feet. His decision to come for a free-kick late was a strange decision that summed up his performance.
Kyle Walker-7.5/10: Was superb at right back. Defended well and was good in possession. Is looking to be getting back to his best.
Ruben Dias-6.5/10: Did his job but had some nervous moments in possession. Made one tremendous block in the second half. Is building into the season.
Nathan Ake-7/10: Yet another typical Ake performance. Did what he had to do as he usually does. He was however outbodied by Ivan Toney to set up Brentford’s opener.
Josko Gvardiol-7/10: A good display from Gvardiol. Was a threat in possession. He just needs to tidy up his final ball and finishing to be more of a weapon for City.
Rodri-6.5/10: Did his job in the middle but not a standout performance from Rodri.
Bernardo Silva-5/10: Not at his best before being substituted. Toiled away on the right wing but not his best display.
Kevin De Bruyne-8/10: Absolutely superb again. Was all over the pitch and a constant threat to Brentford. Picked up an assist to set up Foden’s second.
Julian Alvarez-7.5/10: Was busy and never out of the game. If it wasn’t for an inspired performance by Mark Flekken he could have had a hat trick.
Phil Foden-10/10: Another masterclass from Foden. After going 1-down City needed someone to inspire them and Foden delivered. A superb hat trick to cap his night’s work.
Erling Haaland-7/10: Spurned his best chance in the first half but his mere presence made an impact on the game. Set up Foden’s hat trick goal with a superb layoff.
Substitutes
Jeremy Doku-6/10: Some flashes from Doku but did what was required when he came on.
Mateo Kovacic-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
