Manchester Metropolis had been held to a 2-2 draw by Brentford having led by two objectives in an end-to-end recreation in west London on Tuesday evening.
A goal-fest was anticipated on the Brentford Group Stadium and so it proved, but it surely was a primary half of nip and tuck as neither staff totally hit their stride.
Metropolis hit the entrance when Phil Foden scored two very several types of objectives within the second half, however Yoanne Wissa pulled one again then Christian Norgaard equalised in damage time to grab a deserved share of the factors for the Bees.
Brentford utilized the early stress as Wissa solely narrowly missed connecting with strike companion Bryan Mbeumo’s cross, then the latter compelled Stefan Ortega into his first save with a scuffed effort and the previous put one other shot simply vast after a counter-attack.
The Bees are but to maintain a house clear sheet this season although, and Metropolis significantly threatened that document for the primary time when Kevin de Bruyne’s cross discovered Erling Haaland’s head, however was barely too excessive to be transformed, earlier than possibilities for Matheus Nunes, Savinho and Mateo Kovacic additionally went begging.
The champions’ menace remained within the second half, and so they got here as shut as you may get to scoring with out doing in order an excellent run from Savinho ended within the Brazilian blasting towards the put up.
Metropolis had coped effectively with the counter-attack menace to that time however on the hour they confronted their first actual style of it – Josko Gvardiol gave the ball away and Brentford charged up the pitch, however the Croatian defender made a heroic restoration run and slid in to disclaim Wissa the opener.
It proved to be decisive, as a result of Metropolis scored moments later; Savinho discovered de Bruyne on the appropriate wing, whose supply was pretty much as good because it had been all evening to seek out Foden, and the PFA Participant of the 12 months provided a flash of the scientific brilliance we noticed all of final season to deftly contact the cross residence.
Brentford had been by no means going to lie down and ramped up the stress even additional, forcing one other unbelievable defensive intervention, this time from Nathan Ake.
However just like the final league away journey to Leicester, Metropolis soaked up the stress and sucker-punched with a second aim; Savinho was uncontrollable within the second interval and he broke free to shoot into Flekken’s chest, with Foden there to tidy up and convert cleanly.
The sport wasn’t over but although – a flighted ball to the again put up discovered Mads Roerslev, and his go again throughout landed to Wissa, who couldn’t missed and halved Metropolis’s lead.
And Brentford accomplished their comeback when Norgaard popped up within the field and struck previous Ortega, and will even have stolen the win had Ake not produced one other late goal-line clearance.
It’s going to damage for the Blues but it surely was not at all a nasty show, and Brentford had been good worth for his or her level – right here’s how we rated the gamers in Manchester Metropolis’s draw on the Brentford Group Stadium!
Participant Rankings
Beginning XI
Stefan Ortega – 6.5
Would have anticipated to be busy at a stadium famed for its objectives, and practically produced a miraculous save on Norgaard’s equaliser. Impressed along with his enjoying out from the again.
Manuel Akanji – 6
The primary time shortly we’ve seen him seeking to step ahead into midfield with the ball. Struggled somewhat extra in one-on-one duels.
Nathan Ake – 8
Has regarded to ease his manner again into health in latest weeks however Brentford gave him no hope of taking issues straightforward right here. Ake responded defiantly, placing all the things on the road and solely barely stumbling on Brentford’s aim.
Josko Gvardiol – 7
Obtained ahead a lot however couldn’t actually present the touches of attacking distinction we all know he can. Was extra spectacular on the again, significantly with a cracking block on Wissa.
Matheus Nunes – 7
His second outing at right-back and he appears comfy sufficient there already. Wants a bit extra aggression in his defending however is an effective candidate to invert from vast.
Mateo Kovacic – 6.5
Picked the brief straw because the lone holding midfielder on an evening of chaos within the center. Coped admirably in possession, however work nonetheless wants achieved for him to emulate Rodri in defending the Metropolis backline.
Bernardo Silva – 6
Put his coronary heart and soul into it as all the time, slotting into totally different positions to assist the staff. He isn’t a pure defender although and missed his header within the build-up to Brentford’s aim.
Kevin de Bruyne – 8.5 (MOTM)
Made a compelling case to anybody doubting his continued brilliance. Ran the present for Metropolis and eventually noticed considered one of his creations completed by Foden.
Phil Foden – 8.5
Performed extra of a facilitating position for a lot of the match, however confirmed his true expertise with a marvellous one-touch end and his nostril for aim to snaffle a second on the rebound.
Erling Haaland – 6.5
A recreation of contrasting headed fortunes for the massive man; did his finest hold-up play with some clever flicks, however missed the very best of his handful of possibilities along with his bonce.
Savinho – 8
Seems such a menace proper now. Got here into his personal within the second half, turning Brentford inside out and enjoying a component in each objectives.
Substitutes
Ilkay Gundogan – 6
Couldn’t actually get a grip within the midfield.
James McAtee – 6
Popped up within the field however couldn’t convert.