Manchester City 2 (Erling Haaland 19′, 32′)
Brentford 1 (Yoane Wissa 1′)
Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City continued their perfect start to the 24/25 season. The hard-fought win sees Pep Guardiola’s side maintain their 100% winning record to start the new campaign.
Manchester City had to survive an early scare as Brentford took the lead after 22 seconds. The Bees were up for the game, and a well-worked move saw Yoane Wissa open the scoring after a mix-up between John Stones and Ederson. To be fair, in the opening 10 minutes, Brentford played some of the best football seen from a visiting team to the Etihad in recent memory. They were unlucky not to double their lead in the 3rd minute when Bryan Mbuemo was played through, but only some last-ditch defending from Rico Lewis prevented Thomas Frank’s side from doubling their lead.
After a nervy opening 10 minutes Manchester City grew into the game. They weren’t at their free-flowing best, but with Erling Haaland in the lineup, they don’t have to be. His two goals in 13 minutes turned out to be the difference between the two teams.
Haaland equalised for City in the 19th minute after the ball fell his way in the box. He fired home with his right foot to level the game. Haaland was at it again in the 32nd minute after a sublime ball from Ederson played Haaland through on goal. He expertly chipper Mark Flekken to give City the lead.
It was a lead City would hold despite their dominance in the second half. On another day, they may have pulled away, but some determined Brentford defending and an inspired Mark Flekken kept the score at 2-1 come the final whistle.
Here are the City player ratings from Manchester City’s hard-fought win over Brentford.
FULL-TIME | A win at home! 💪
🩵 2-1 🐝 #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/Gn1CUwiKYZ
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 14, 2024
City player ratings
Ederson-8/10: He made several good saves throughout the game. His assist for Haaland’s second was utterly sublime. It was a quality performance from the City’s number-one keeper after a shaky opening.
Kyle Walker-5/10: Walker looked rusty in the first half but was slightly better in the second half. He needs to maintain his concentration at all times as that cost him and City at times today.
John Stones-5/10: He looked rusty in the first half but a lot better in the second half. He should be better going forward after getting through 83 minutes.
Manuel Akanji-7/10: Before Josko Gvardiol’s introduction he was City’s best defender. Another good performance from Akanji.
Rico Lewis-6/10: Not as effective at left-back. He wasn’t City’s worst performer but wasn’t at the high standards he has shown so far this season.
Ilkay Gundogan-6.5/10: It looked like Brentford targeted Gundogan with their press. At times he played well, on other occasions he was caught out by Brentford’s press.
Mateo Kovacic-5.5/10: Replaced by Rodri at halftime. Picked up a yellow card before the interval but not at his best.
Kevin De Bruyne- 7.5/10: He gets such a high mark for his work rate alone. De Bruyne never stopped working for his team. His quality became evident the longer the game went on. In all, another quality performance from De Bruyne.
Jack Grealish-7/10: An almost day from Grealish. Almost scored and almost set up a couple of goals. But he was one of City’s better players on the day.
Savinho-8/10: The Brazilian was brilliant throughout the whole game. He was a constant threat to Brentford’s defence and plays with a maturity beyond his years. The only concern was he may have been substituted with a late injury.
Erling Haaland-10/10: His goals decided the match. Besides his goals, his work rate was outstanding, and on another day could’ve scored 4 or 5. It must be said what he is currently doing isn’t normal. A special mention must be made of his performance, considering the personal loss he and his family suffered during the week.
Substitutes
Rodri-7.5/10: Introduced at halftime with his team needing more control in midfield. He provided that and showed why he is the best midfielder in world football in the second half.
Josko Gvardiol-7.5/10: Like Rodri he helped City gain control of the game after halftime. A superb performance off the bench as he popped up all over the pitch to help his team.
Bernardo Silva-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
Ruben Dias-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
Matheus Nunes-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
