Brentford vs Man City LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Phil Foden hat-trick completes comeback win

Brentford 1-3 Manchester City: Pep Guardiola’s men move to within two points of Liverpool

Toney an exceptional player - Guardiola

Manchester City came from behind to end their recent hoodoo against Brentford with a comfortable 3-1 victory at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Bees, who won both of their clashes against City last season, started well attacking with pace and threatening Ederson’s goal.

At the other end of the pitch, they were aided by the unbeatable Mark Flekken. The goalkeeper made nine saves in the first half before pumping a long ball forward and suppling the assist for the opening goal. Ivan Toney held off his marker to allow the ball to bounce through to Neal Maupay. Maupay collected and slotted home a fine finish.

Going behind spurred City on, Phil Foden brought down Ethan Pinnock’s poor clearance to equalise on the stroke of half-time before meeting a perfect cross from Kevin De Bruyne and nodding City ahead just after the break.

He completed his hat-trick after a slick assist from Erling Haaland and the third goal ensured City were in no danger of losing their lead.

Relive the action with our live blog below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:

Brentford vs Man City LIVE

• Phil Foden’s perfect hat-trick shows why Man City are about to ease clear in the title race
• Manchester City come from behind to defeat Brentford in the Premier League
• 70’ GOAL! - Foden completes his hat-trick (BRE 1-3 MCI)
• 53’ GOAL! - Foden meets De Bruyne’s cross and nods home (BRE 1-2 MCI)
• 45+3’ GOAL! - Foden takes advantage of Pinnock’s mistake to tap home the equaliser (BRE 1-1 MCI)
• 23’ SAVE! - Flekken deflects Haaland’s shot (BRE 1-0 MCI)
• 21’ GOAL! - A long ball gets Maupay in behind for a cool finish past Ederson (BRE 1-0 MCI)
• 15’ CLOSE! - Walker’s long range effort palmed wide by Flekken (BRE 0-0 MCI)

[5 February 2024 21:24 · Mike Jones]

Brentford 1-2 Man City

63 mins: Good pressure from Brentford who attack through Ivan Toney. He shoots and the hosts win a corner. There’s a scramble in the area but not much comes from it and City take back control.

[5 February 2024 21:21 · Mike Jones]

Brentford 1-2 Man City

60 mins: Thomas Frank looked a bit annoyed after that second City goal went in. Perhaps the Brentford boss thought it was a bit soft to concede in that way but the pass was perfect from De Bruyne.

Brentford aren’t out of this match yet but it’ll be a big ask to score past City again.

[5 February 2024 21:16 · Mike Jones]

Brentford 1-2 Man City

56 mins: Good response!

Sergio Reguilon whips a tantilising pass into the box from the left side and almost finds Ivan Toney but for the toes of Nathan Ake. The ball bobbles through to Mads Roerslev who runs onto a first time shot and pings it over the crossbar!

[5 February 2024 21:14 · Mike Jones]

GOAL! Brentford 1-2 Man City (Foden, 53’)⚽️

53 mins: City take the lead!

Kevin De Bruyne receives the ball on the left side of the pitch and spots Phil Foden inside the penalty area. Foden calls for the ball and waits for the midfielder to deliver it pinpoint onto his head.

He whips the ball into the near corner and sends City in front for the first time in the match.

[5 February 2024 21:11 · Mike Jones]

Brentford 1-1 Man City

51 mins: Julian Alvarez looks to release Erling Haaland in behind but Ben Mee makes the interception. He then pings a forward pass up to Ivan Toney who collects the ball and shuffles over to the right side of the box.

Toney’s in space but City are quick to respond and crowd him out before he can take a shot.

[5 February 2024 21:07 · Mike Jones]

Brentford 1-1 Man City

48 mins: City are picking up where they’ve left off in the first half. Kyle Walker brings the ball down the right and puts in an early cross.

Ben Mee leaps high and nods the ball clear for the hosts.

[5 February 2024 21:05 · Mike Jones]

Second half! Brentford 1-1 Man City

Brentford get the ball rolling for the second half. As it stands its a level contest but Manchester City have been the dominant force. Can the Bees find a way of getting themselves back into the lead?

[5 February 2024 21:03 · Mike Jones]

Man City set to sign Brazilian winger Savio from affiliate City Football Group club

Manchester City are interested in signing the Brazilian winger Savio, who has helped Girona launch a surprise title tilt in LaLiga this season.

No deal has been agreed but the teenager is on loan from Troyes, another club in the City Football Group, which could make it easier to conclude a transfer.

Savio has never actually played for Troyes, being bought for an initial €6.5m in 2022 but spending last season on loan with PSV Eindhoven and then joining Girona for the current campaign.

[5 February 2024 21:02 · Mike Jones]

HT Brentford 1-1 Man City

Neal Maupay has scored in each of his last five appearances for Brentford in all competitions, his longest ever scoring run for an English side.

[5 February 2024 20:58 · Mike Jones]

HT Brentford 1-1 Man City

Mark Flekken is the first goalkeeper to provide an assist in the Premier League this season.

Indeed, two of the last four instances of a keeper assisting in the competition have come against Manchester City (also Alisson for Liverpool in October 2022).