Brentford2 - 2Man City

Unsurprisingly, Pep Guardiola made wholesale changes from the side that started Saturday's dominant 8-0 FA Cup victory over Salford City, although Kyle Walker was absent once again as he closes in on a winter exit.

While one veteran looks set to leave, another experienced star played a key role in Man City's opener in the 66th minute, producing the perfect delivery for Foden to guide home with his left foot.

Foden was soon celebrating his and Man City's second of the game, driving the ball home to seemingly put Man City in an unassailable position.

However, Brentford had other ideas, as they produced a stunning late fightback to salvage a point and deny the Citizens all three.

First, Wissa tucked the ball home from close range to give his side renewed hope and become Brentford's all-time leading Premier League scorer.

Christian Norgaard completed the comeback in the second minute of stoppage time, and the Bees nearly went on to snatch maximum points when Bryan Mbeumo saw his late effort clear off the line by Nathan Ake, ensuring an exhilarating contest finished all square.

The result moves Brentford up to 10th place in the Premier League table, while the Citizens are in sixth place and two points adrift of the top four.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Man City will be reeling after spurning a glorious opportunity to claim a fourth consecutive victory in all competitions.

However, Brentford's late fightback ultimately showcased the fragility of this Man City side despite their recent run of victories.

From Brentford's perspective, they will believe they more than deserved a point after creating several promising chances throughout the contest.

BRENTFORD VS. MAN CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Foden goal vs. Brentford (67th min, Brentford 0-2 Man City)

Just moments after Damsgaard has a goal disallowed, Foden scores a legitimate goal at the opposite end of the Gtech Community Stadium. The England international opens his body up to steer the ball home with his left foot after meeting De Bruyne's inch-perfect delivery from the right flank.

Foden goal vs. Brentford (78th min, Brentford 0-2 Man City)

Foden finds the net to wrap up all three points. Foden drills a first-time shot into the awaiting net after latching onto Mark Flekken's parry from Savinho's powerful shot.

Wissa goal vs. Man City (82nd min, Brentford 1-2 Man City)

Brentford finally break through Man City's defences. Wissa controls the ball inside the six-yard box from Mads Roerslev's pass across the face of goal. The 28-year-old waits for Stefan Ortega to go to ground, before he fires home his 37th Premier League goal.

Norgaard goal vs. Man City (94th min, Brentford 2-2 Man City)

Norgaard rescues a point! The Brentford midfielder gets across his marker to meet Keane Lewis-Potter's inswinging cross. Ortega gets a hand to Norgaard's header, but he cannot prevent it from closing the line.

MAN OF THE MATCH - PHIL FODEN

Foden showed signs that he was getting back to his best in his impressive display despite the fact his brace was not enough to clinch all three points.

The 24-year-old demonstrated great composure and skill with his first finish, before he showcased a poacher's instinct saw him pounce on a rebound for his second.

It should also be noted that Kevin De Bruyne also played a crucial role, especially with his exquisite cross to set up Foden for the opener.

BRENTFORD VS. MAN CITY MATCH STATS

Possession: Brentford 44%-56% Man City

Shots: Brentford 18-21 Man City

Shots on target: Brentford 6-8 Man City

Corners: Brentford 4-5 Man City

Fouls: Brentford 4-0 Man City

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

After missing out on maximum points, Man City will be looking to return to winning ways in Saturday's away clash with Ipswich Town.

As for the visitors, they will look to build upon their strong finish when they welcome Premier League leaders Liverpool to the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday.

Written by

Ben Sully