Erling Haaland continued his sensational start to the new Premier League season. Haaland, the EA SPORTS Premier League Player of the Month for August, had netted hat-tricks in his prior two appearances. Add in today’s two goals, Haaland now has 99 goals for Man City in all competitions.
Haaland’s double also means City’s star striker has become the first player in Premier League history to score nine goals across the first four games. The Norwegian had been uncertain to start following the death of a close family friend. He did start and came through for the champions when needed. Today’s victory means Manchester City continues their 100% win rate in the new season and are now the sole leader at the top of the table. Brentford is back in seventh place.
The match began with the visitors stunning City in just 22 seconds on the clock when Keane Lewis-Potter’s header resulted in Wissa netting past Ederson. Man City and Haaland aptly responded by equalising in the 19th minute. A right-footed effort across Mark Flekken into the far corner with the aid of a deflection. Haaland followed it up with the winning goal before half-time. Ederson’s long ball forward was misjudged by Ethan Pinnock, letting Haaland in to score over Flekken.
Thomas Frank’s team had more possession and tried to create more opportunities in the first 45 minutes of play – but Haaland proved to be the decisive difference between the teams.
Tactics Zone
Man City played a 4-2-3-1 formation today while Brentford went with a 5-3-2 setup.
The Bees played some inspiring football in the first half of the game. Man City’s defence has been vulnerable in recent seasons. And Thomas Frank’s team showcased perfectly how to expose Pep Guardiola’s team in transition – play forward quickly and directly. It resulted in the Bees scoring in just 22 seconds at the start, and it could have been more. They had the champions worried, especially with the sharpness of their counter-attacks. In the end, missed chances proved costly for Thomas Frank’s side.
Man City found their footing in the second half, with Rodri back for the first time this season. Along with Grealish and Savinho in the flanks, further chances came for Haaland to score his 100th. Alas, Mark Flekken denied him the hat-trick goal with some robust keeping. Pep Guardiola’s side also had to soak in the pressure of a nervy finish as Brentford went for a final push.
For Brentford, it’s a tale of ‘what could have been’. For Man City, it’s now four wins from four games, a perfect start in their bid to defend their Premier League crown.
