Manchester City demonstrated their championship qualities in Monday night’s away match against Brentford, particularly highlighted by Phil Foden’s hat-trick.
As reigning champions, Manchester City are asserting their dominance in the ongoing title race this season. Rising to second place, just two points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand, City is not only narrowing the gap but also hitting their stride.
Phil Foden, in exceptional form, secured a hat-trick, showcasing not only his dazzling skills and close control but also his prowess as a prolific goal scorer from midfield. With nine consecutive victories, including five in the Premier League, City aims to make history by clinching a fourth consecutive title.
The pressing question arises: who can stop Manchester City’s relentless charge? With experience, expertise, and the return of Kevin De Bruyne, along with Erling Haaland’s comeback after a month, City’s offensive trio, including Foden, is proving pivotal this season.
City’s three-goal performance not only secured another victory but also contributed to a new Premier League record for the highest number of goals in a single round of matches.
Their four goals at Brentford Community Stadium propelled the weekend’s total to 45 across ten matches, surpassing the previous record of 44 achieved in rounds two of the 2020/21 season and round 34 of the last season.
Symbolically, it was City, known for their entertaining style under Pep Guardiola, that surpassed the milestone. The goal count could have been higher if not for the remarkable saves by Brentford’s goalkeeper, Mark Flekken, who made a series of crucial stops in the first half and even provided the assist for the opening goal.
For a considerable duration, it appeared Brentford might achieve something remarkable, with Flekken almost single-handedly resisting City’s onslaught until Guardiola’s team took control. Twice, Flekken thwarted Julian Alvarez with long-range attempts, and he managed to miraculously parry Kyle Walker’s 30-yard piledriver, deflecting it for a corner.
In a surprising turn, Flekken transitioned from shot-stopper to playmaker, delivering the first goalkeeper assist of the season. His lengthy punt down the middle found its way through, with Ivan Toney intelligently backing into Nathan Ake.
The ball continued its trajectory through the center, and Neal Maupay found himself in a clear scoring opportunity. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Maupay remained composed and slotted the ball past City goalkeeper Ederson, marking his fifth goal in five consecutive matches.
Flekken continued to defy City until eventually, the visitors found the net with their 17th shot on goal in the third minute of injury time in the first half. De Bruyne’s cross seemed destined nowhere, but Ethan Pinnock’s unfortunate header fell directly into Foden’s path, and the Englishman unleashed a powerful shot into the back of the net.
Once the deadlock was broken, additional goals were inevitable. Indeed, eight minutes into the second half, De Bruyne’s lofted cross located Foden, who executed a precise header into the bottom corner. Despite falling behind, Brentford displayed resilience, with Christian Norgaard’s attempt valiantly thwarted by Ruben Dias, and Toney squandered another significant chance by sending the ball wide.
