FT: Man City 1-0 Brentford - Haaland slots home opener
Hosts move second in table ahead of Arsenal and point behind Liverpool
Game rearranged after City's involvement in FIFA Club World Cup in December
City beat Brentford 3-1 just 15 days ago
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Man City 1-0 Brentford
By the way, Erling Haaland has now scored a Premier League goal versus all 21 different opponents he has made an appearance against.
That's some record. That's some player.
Man City 1-0 Brentford
You can hear the sighs of relief all around the Etihad. It's been a long time coming but City have the lead. Will Brentford respond?
Erling Haaland
It had to be him!
No mistake from Erling Haaland this time as he keeps his composure to stroke it past Mark Flekken after a slip by Kristoffer Ajer.
Lovely assist by Julian Alvarez to send Haaland on his way.
Image source, Getty ImagesMan City 0-0 Brentford
Another chance for Phil Foden. That one is heading for Row Z.
How long before Kevin de Bruyne comes on?
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Plenty of time wasting down at the Etihad, why can referees not see what we're seeing.
Anthony at the Etihad
Image source, Getty ImagesMan City 0-0 Brentford
Now Ivan Toney goes into the book for a foul on Ruben Dias. It's all getting a little bit scrappy. Neal Maupay is on for Yoane Wissa.
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Surely Brentford should just leave Toney on the halfway line and punt it to him every time. At the very least Man City would have to keep two defenders back. Would keep them on edge too.
Ali, Warsaw
Man City 0-0 Brentford
Neal Maupay was getting ready to come on but he puts his warm-up vest back on as Ben Mee receives treatment for that knock. Mee eventually climbs to his feet but off the pitch.
Man City 0-0 Brentford
Bernardo Silva floats a decent ball into the box but Erling Haaland catches Ben Mee on the back of the head and the referee awards a free-kick.
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It's Man City. They'll score. It's what they do. Not gonna get false hopes.
Dave, Liverpool fan, Switzerland
Man City 0-0 Brentford
Another roar of encouragement from City fans. Brentford are digging in here.
Man City 0-0 Brentford
Yoane Wissa is the third player to go into the book after a foul on Ruben Dias.
Moments later Jeremy Doku runs onto the pitch to applause to replace Oscar Bobb.
Man City 0-0 Brentford
More frustration for Erling Haaland and Manchester City as the big Norwegian fails to control a pass inside Brentford's penalty area.
Man City 0-0 Brentford
Jeremy Doku is getting ready to come on.
Man City 0-0 Brentford
We're approaching the hour mark. Whistles from the home fans as Mark Flekken takes his time with a goal kick.
Image source, Getty ImagesMan City 0-0 Brentford
"Come on City, Come on City," roar the home fans. Now Neal Maupay is in deep discussion with Thomas Frank. Are Brentford about to make a change?
Man City 0-0 Brentford
A cheer goes up as Pep Guardiola orders his substitutes to warm up.
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If City don’t win tonight then Liverpool could be six points clear by tomorrow. Then if they beat City at home then they’d be nine points clear, in March essentially. Aye caramba!
Ryan
Man City 0-0 Brentford
Just the 18 attempts by Manchester City - six on target. But still no goal...
Man City 0-0 Brentford
Phil Foden looks surprised as Kyle Walker's pass arrives too fast for him to get a shot away before Rodri sends another attempt wide.