Brentford battle from two goals down to hold Manchester City

Brentford's Yoane Wissa after the final whistle. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire.

Brentford 2 Manchester City 2

PEP Guardiola’s hopes that Manchester City could build on their recent return to winning ways disappeared as the manager watched his side squander a two-goal lead.

In control thanks to two Phil Foden goals, Guardiola’s side were undone by a late Brentford rally that was capped by Christian Norgaard’s added time header as City’s defensive frailties were exposed once again.

Guardiola’s side arrived in west London anxious to put more distance between themselves and the alarming run that brought just one win in nine league games before successive victories over Leicester City and West Ham eased the sense of crisis ahead of Saturday’s eight-goal FA Cup defeat of League Two Salford.

They appeared set to strengthen the sense that they are returning to more familiar form when Foden put them ahead in the 67th minute before doubling the lead in the 78th minute.

But Brentford had fought determinedly throughout and replied when Yoane Wissa was left unmarked in the 82nd minute later. Norgaard’s header completed the comeback and it might have been worse for City had Nathan Ake not headed Bryan Mbeumo effort clear in the last minute.

City had looked fragile and disjointed for long periods and the way they fell apart after appearing to have wrapped up the win added to Guardiola’s ongoing concerns.

They were once again without Kyle Walker, however, with the defender again missing after indicating a desire to move abroad. The right-back has been linked with both Milan clubs and looks increasingly set to leave, only adding to Guardiola’s desire to see new faces come into the club.

A £33 million move for Lens’ Uzbekistan centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov is nearing completion while City are closing in on a move for Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis.

Talks have been ongoing over a deal worth around £29.4 million for the defender, 19, and while the Brazilian club are hoping to keep the defender until the end of the season, it seems likely he will move immediately to the Etihad Stadium.

Most of all Guardiola would like an end to the succession of injuries to key defenders that have destabilised his side so much this season. City have appeared vulnerable far too often this season and they were once again unconvincing during a first half when they were fortunate to avoid falling behind.

The visitors began to assert themselves more in the latter stages of the half with Kevin De Bruyne at the heart of the best attacking moves. The Belgium midfielder proved elusive operating in a more advanced position and delivered a superb curling cross that Erling Haaland was direct towards goal.

There were few signs City had addressed their flaws during the break when Brentford again came close to opening the scoring in the opening moments of the second period. This time it was a routine corner from Keane Lewis-Potter that unsettled the visitors defence who were grateful to see Nathan Collin’s glancing header drift narrowly wide.

That effort set the tone for second half that produced a succession of chances at both ends. Savinho struck the post and Haaland directed a free header straight at Mark Flekken while it took a superb covering tackle by City left-back Josko Gvardiol to deny Wissa.

The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute when City finally clicked. Haaland proved an effective target for Ortega’s clearance before the ball was worked by for De Bruyne who again delivered a telling cross that was this time volleyed home by Foden.

Foden struck again when he followed up Savinho’s shot but instead of seeing out the game, the visitors were unable to contain Brentford’s late flurry.

Wissa had the easiest of chances when he had time to collect Mads Roeslev’s cross and finish from six yards out. Norgaard then jumped unchallenged to head home the equaliser and add to the problems confronting Guardiola.

Brentford (4-3-3): Flekken 6; Roerslev 6 (Henry 87, 6), Collins 7, Van den Berg 6, Lewis-Potter 7; Norgaard 8, Jensen 6 (Schade 68, 6), Janelt 6 (Yarmoliuk 78, 6); Mbeumo9, Wissa 7, Damsgaard 7.

Manchester City (4-2-3–1): Ortega 7; Nunes 6, Akanji 6, Ake 6, Gvardiol 6; Silva 5, Kovacic 6 (Gundogan 76, 6); Foden 8 (McAtee 84, 6), DeBruyne 7, Savinho 8; Haaland 5.

Referee: Anthony Taylor 6.