Man City player ratings vs Brentford as Erling Haaland saves the Blues again but one player gets 4/10.
Erling Haaland was once again the star of the show against Brentford as he dragged Manchester City out of another sticking situation and to victory.
Manchester City couldn’t have gotten their return to Premier League action against Brentford off to a slower start as a defensive shambles led to Yoane Wissa nodding in after just 22 seconds.Ilkay Gundogan, Rico Lewis, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Ederson were all culpable for the goal and the Bees should have scored two more as they turned up the heat.
But Pep Guardiola’s side managed to weather the storm and Erling Haaland pulled them back level with yet another excellent finish. Before the break, the Norwegian sensation raced through on goal and chipped the keeper to make it 2-1.
City largely controlled the second half thanks to the introduction of Rodri but there were some nervy moments due to the slender one-goal lead. Yet, despite a late flurry, City held on to maintain their perfect record as Liverpool lost theirs.Ederson – 8
Was put off by Stones but wasn’t strong enough when claiming the ball and left an open net for Wissa to nod into.
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Ederson more than made up for that, though, with several important interceptions after coming quickly off his line and picking up his fourth Premier League assist, overtaking Manchester United’s Antony in the process, by sending through Haaland for the second.
Kyle Walker – 5
A poor defensive header in opening seconds on his return to the starting XI as Brentford took a shocking lead but Kyle Walker was then involved in the leveller. Got forward well but Keane Lewis-Potter got some joy down his flank and fans will likely want Lewis back at right-back instead.
John Stones – 5
John Stones was probably the biggest culprit for the opener with his shanked clearance sending the ball to the waiting Wissa. A bit rusty on his first start of the season and will likely be back on the bench against Inter but recovered well after the early mishap.
Manuel Akanji – 7
The only defender who didn’t have a part to play in Brentford’s goal and another wise steady presence when the Bees piled on the pressure. A rock in the defence and elegant in possession.Rico Lewis – 5
Rico Lewis was moved over to the left to accommodate a returning Walker and didn’t look as comfortable as he has on the right. Could have done more to prevent the cross for the opener but did recover to put off Bryan Mbuemo when he went through on goal minutes later. Taken off at half-time.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6
It was a poor first touch from Ilkay Gundogan on his first start back in a City shirt, as he gave the ball away for the goal, but he soon settled into things.
The German was involved in some lovely football in attacking areas, linking particularly well with Savinho.
Mateo Kovacic – 4
Was perhaps lucky not to receive more punishment than a yellow card for a rough sliding tackle that forced Wissa off the field injured. Mateo Kovacic was run ragged by Brentford and unable to get on the ball much. Hooked for Rodri at the break.Savinho – 6
Savinho showed some nice touches and interplay out on the right flank but wasn’t quite as direct or effective as he had been in his first two games. One jinking run in the second half nearly resulted in a superb goal but his shot drifted just wide. Worryingly went off clutching his hamstring.
Kevin De Bruyne – 8
Kevin De Bruyne was dangerous as ever and picked up yet another assist with a shrewd pass to Haaland for the equaliser. The brilliant Belgium created more chances and made them for himself, whistling one shot from distance past the post and teeing up Haaland to strike it.
Jack Grealish – 7
Another hard-working display from Jack Grealish and one that grew into an influential attacking performance as the game ticked on.
It was his delightful flick that sent Gvardiol through, his work that created a chance which Haaland hit the post with and he came close to scoring a lovely goal himself but was denied by an outstretched Mark Flekken. Erling Haaland – 9
Haaland just does not stop scoring even after a difficult week. He dragged City out of the mire with another fantastic finish, as he somehow managed to find the corner despite receiving the ballw ith his back to goal.
His second finish was equally as impressive as he barged through on goal and calmly lofted home. Unlucky not to get a hat-trick for a third game running.
Substitutes
Rodri – 8
Who’d have thought that City would regain control of a chaotic game and take the sting out of the opposition with the introduction of Rodri?
It was the Spaniard’s first appearance of the season and it was as if he’d never been away as his intricate passing and expert positioning ensured the second half was all City, other than a late flurry.
Josko Gvardiol – 7
It also shows how important Josko Gvardiol has now become that he was brought on at half-time alongside Rodri to make sure City dominated the second 45. A classy display at left-back and unlucky not to get an assist after one excellent run through the middle.
Ruben Dias – 6
Came on with seven minutes remaining to help see the game outBernardo Silva – 5
Introduced alongside Dias and didn’t see much of the ball.
Matheus Nunes – N/A
Came on with a minute to go.
