MANCHESTER, England, Sept 14 (Askume) – Manchester City beat Brentford 2-1 on Saturday with Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland scoring twice for the visitors’ fastest goal of the season and maintaining a good start.
Haaland’s two goals took him to nine goals in four games – more than any English top-flight side has scored this season – as CityAfter Liverpool lost 0–1 at home to Nottingham Forest , the win gave the side a three-point lead.
Haaland was looking for a third goal, which would have made him the first player to score a hat-trick in three consecutive Premier League games, but Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken made several saves to prevent the Norwegian forward from scoring.
Brentford started well 22 seconds after kick-off when defender John Stones and goalkeeper Ederson blocked Kean Lewis-Potter’s header in the six-yard box, allowing Un Visa to pass the ball.
The Bees continued to threaten in attack and found space behind the City defence on several occasions, but Haaland equalised from a tight angle in the 20th minute with just his second touch of the game.
Despite City having little control in the first half, City took the lead after Ederson lifted the ball high and Haaland beat defender Ethan Pinnock to shoot past Flicken to make it 2–1.
Manchester City’s Jack Grealish said: “The second half showed who he is. He used his body well and performed well. It was a pleasure to play with him and hopefully he continues to do that.”
After midfielder Rodri came on as a substitute for the first time in the second half, it was Freking who came to Brentford’s rescue and kept the scoreline alive as City began to dominate.
He first stopped Glarish, who pulled the trigger from 20 metres, before the Dutchman tipped Haaland’s powerful shot over the crossbar. Flicking was in action again when he saved Savinho’s shot on City’s counterattack.
Brentford lacked attacking attitude and rhythm in the first half, with City taking all three points to move to 12 points after four games, while the Bees have six.
