Brentford 2-2 Man City: Player Ratings as Late Collapse Costs City

Key Points:

Brentford struck twice late to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
Phil Foden’s brace looked to have sealed the win for City.
Christian Norgaard’s stoppage-time header rescued a point for the Bees.

Brentford staged a remarkable comeback on Tuesday evening, scoring twice in the final ten minutes to secure a 2-2 draw against Manchester City at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The first half saw City dominate possession, registering 20 touches inside Brentford’s box but failing to convert that into goals. The breakthrough came after the interval, with Phil Foden executing a stunning volley from Kevin De Bruyne’s pinpoint cross to put City ahead.

Nathan Ake made a vital goal-line clearance to preserve the lead, and Foden doubled City’s advantage in the 78th minute, pouncing on a rebound to fire home. The game seemed beyond Brentford’s reach, but the hosts had other ideas.

Yoane Wissa ignited hope for the Bees in the 82nd minute, slotting home with a composed finish. Then, in stoppage time, Christian Norgaard rose highest to head in the equaliser, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Brentford almost completed the turnaround in the dying seconds, but Ake made another heroic clearance to salvage a point for City, who were left stunned by the late drama.

Player Ratings

Brentford (4-3-3)

Yoane Wissa, Mateo Kovacic

GK: Mark Flekken – 7.1/10
Made several solid saves and distributed the ball effectively under pressure.
RB: Mads Roerslev – 7.3/10
A tireless defensive effort, particularly against City’s wide threats.
CB: Nathan Collins – 6.4/10
Struggled at times with City’s movement but made a few key clearances.
CB: Sepp van den Berg – 6.3/10
Had trouble dealing with Foden’s runs but grew into the game.
LB: Keane Lewis-Potter – 7.1/10
Worked hard defensively and contributed to Brentford’s late push.
CM: Christian Norgaard – 7.9/10
Scored the crucial equaliser and was a driving force in midfield.
CM: Mathias Jensen – 7.7/10
Excellent in breaking up City’s rhythm and starting counter-attacks.
CM: Vitaly Janelt – 6.6/10
Worked hard off the ball but struggled in possession.
RW: Bryan Mbeumo – 7.7/10
Caused problems with his pace and skill, providing energy in attack.
ST: Yoane Wissa – 7.7/10
Scored Brentford’s first goal and linked up well with his teammates.
LW: Mikkel Damsgaard – 6.7/10
Had a goal disallowed and showed flashes of creativity.

Substitutes:

Kevin Schade (68′) – 6.7/10
Added energy and width to Brentford’s attack.
Yegor Yarmolyuk (79′) – 6.3/10
Contributed to Brentford’s late resurgence.
Rico Henry (87′) – N/A
Unused subs: Hakon Valdimarsson (GK), Ben Mee, Kim Ji-soo, Paris Maghoma, Yunus Emre Konak, Fabio Carvalho.

Manchester City (3-2-4-1)

Phil Foden

GK: Stefan Ortega – 6.2/10
Rarely tested until late on but couldn’t prevent Brentford’s goals.
CB: Manuel Akanji – 7.0/10
Solid for much of the game but couldn’t keep Brentford out late on.
CB: Nathan Ake – 6.9/10
Made two critical goal-line clearances but was beaten for Norgaard’s equaliser.
CB: Josko Gvardiol – 7.1/10
Strong in duels and composed in possession.
DM: Mateo Kovacic – 7.2/10
Controlled the midfield with sharp passing and intelligent positioning.
DM: Matheus Nunes – 7.3/10
Energetic and effective in breaking Brentford’s press.
RM: Phil Foden – 9.1/10 (Player of the Match)
A sensational performance capped with two goals and tireless running.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – 8.6/10
Pulled the strings in midfield and provided a sublime assist for Foden’s opener.
CM: Bernardo Silva – 6.5/10
Industrious but failed to make a significant impact in attack.
LM: Savinho – 7.7/10
Hit the post early in the second half and was a constant threat down the left.
ST: Erling Haaland – 7.1/10
Missed a golden chance to score but linked up well with the midfield.

Substitutes:

Ilkay Gundogan (76′) – 6.5/10
Kept things tidy in midfield after coming on.
James McAtee (87′) – N/A
Unused subs: Ederson (GK), Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Nico O’Reilly, Rico Lewis, Divin Mubama, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku.