In a Premier League classic at the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford fought back from a two-goal deficit to snatch a 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
The match provided non-stop excitement, as City looked to be heading for victory before Brentford’s spirited fightback, proving once again why they have one of the best home records in the division.
The first half ended goalless, but it was far from uneventful. Both teams showed intent, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa causing problems for City’s defense early on.
Mbeumo went close in the 16th minute, forcing City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega to make a fine save.
Moments later, City’s Erling Haaland squandered a golden opportunity, heading just wide after a pinpoint cross from Kevin De Bruyne.
City enjoyed 62% possession in the first half, with De Bruyne creating five chances – more than any other player on the pitch.
Despite this, the visitors were wasteful in front of goal, with Savinho hitting the post and Haaland’s effort failing to trouble Mark Flekken in the Brentford net.
WE NEVER STOP 💪 pic.twitter.com/QjcfmRwsJW
– Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 14, 2025
The hosts, meanwhile, showed promise on the counter-attack but lacked precision in the final third.
City finally broke the deadlock in the 66th minute through Phil Foden. De Bruyne, instrumental all evening, delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the area, and Foden redirected the ball past Flekken to make it 1-0.
Just 12 minutes later, Foden doubled City’s lead. Savinho’s initial effort was saved by Flekken, but the rebound fell to Foden, who headed home to give City a seemingly commanding 2-0 lead.
However, the Bees refused to give up. Brentford pulled one back in the 82nd minute, thanks to Wissa. Mads Roerslev delivered a teasing cross into the area and Wissa took advantage of a missed clearance from Nathan Ake to power his shot into the top corner. This goal energized the home crowd and set the stage for a grandstand finish.
The drama reached its crescendo in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Keane Lewis-Potter made his way down the right and delivered a cross to Christian Norgaard, who rose above the defense from City to head the ball towards the goal. Ortega got a hand on it but couldn’t keep it out, and the ball nestled in the net to spark wild celebrations.
Brentford almost snatched all three points moments later when Mbeumo’s shot beat Ortega, but Ake made a heroic clearance off the line to preserve a point for City.
