- Man City struggled in first half against Brentford
- Ran away with victory later in match
- Three players delivered standout display
Manchester City got the better of Brentford at the Etihad Stadium, delivering a mixed performance which has drawn positives and negatives alike.
Here are the three players who impressed the most, and three of others who have reasons to be concerned based on how they played.
Winners
Jeremy Doku was Man City’s best player again
Doku seems to be taking his game to another level, as shown by another astonishing performance on Saturday.
The winger successfully completed six dribbles and he created more chances than anyone else on the pitch.
As if this was not enough, Doku touched the ball 19 times inside Brentford’s box, while he showed his defensive qualities too by winning 11 ground duels.
City looked stuck against Brentford, causing Pep Guardiola to make a double substitution. However, it was a man already on the pitch who broke the deadlock.
Doku’s strike was superb, as he lifted the ball over a defender and nestled it so far into the top corner that Caoimhín Kelleher was left with no chance.
Omar Marmoush made up for his FA Cup shocker
It is rare to see Omar Marmoush start for Man City, but he was handed an opportunity in the FA Cup semi-final tie against Southampton.
Unfortunately, the striker was really poor, as he was too slow on the ball and missed a number of chances.
However, Marmoush made use of his time on the pitch against Brentford. The Egyptian received a through pass from Erling Haaland in stoppage time, before finding the bottom left corner from a fairly tight angle.
City had already won the game, but that goal could end up being very important if the Premier League comes down to goal difference.
Erling Haaland cannot stop scoring
For much of Saturday’s game, Erling Haaland was proving to be of very little use. Initially the forward was rarely on the ball, and then he began missing a string of chances.
Despite this, Haaland was able to double Man City’s advantage, ending a scrappy attacking move with a successful backheeled effort. He then assisted Marmoush, therefore well and truly putting the game to bed.
With the 25-year-old scoring again and Igor Thiago being kept silent, it now seems very clear who will be winning the Premier League golden boot this season.
Losers
Tijjani Reijnders was subbed off at 0-0
Rodri has been replaced by a different midfielder every game since he picked up an injury, and Tijjani Reijnders was Pep Guardiola’s choice this time around.
The midfielder attempted four shots, but most of them were blocked by Brentford’s determined defensive unit.
After an hour, Guardiola decided he had seen enough and made the decision to hook the Dutchman, in what was probably his final start of the season.
Considering the lack of first-team opportunities Reijnders has been given, perhaps that might even be his last competitive start at the club.
Rayan Cherki was kept quiet by Brentford
Pundits have been going crazy about Rayan Cherki in recent weeks, and it is not difficult to see why based on some of his performances.
Nevertheless, the Frenchman has had a few games where he has struggled to showcase his brilliant technical abilities.
Cherki was quickly closed down by Brentford’s defenders, and it was clear they were targeting him specifically.
In the end, he too was removed after 60 minutes, in a decision which ultimately paid off for Guardiola.
Phil Foden came so close to ending his goalless streak
It has been almost three months since Phil Foden scored a goal. This drought almost ended against Brentford, but the Englishman was denied twice by Kelleher.
Foden showed promise after coming off the bench, and he was clearly very eager to utilise his opportunity and get on the scoresheet.
The 25-year-old forced a couple of good saves, but his shots needed a bit more precision to find the net.
Now more than ever, Foden needs that one moment which will get everyone off his back. Sadly, that did not come yesterday.
Next up for Man City
The Citizens continue their quest for the Premier League title next Wednesday, with Crystal Palace visiting the Etihad Stadium.
This is a fixture which was previously rescheduled due to the Carabao Cup final, and it will kick off at 20:00 BST.
In the meantime, each member of Man City’s squad will be keeping a keen eye on Arsenal, as they head to the London Stadium in what is a huge match for the Premier League title race.
