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 18:20 · Mike Jones]

Pep Guardiola sure John Stones is over worst injury woes

Pep Guardiola hopes John Stones can now start to put a run of games together after what has been a frustrating season to date.

The England centre-back, who shone in a hybrid defence-midfield role in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign last season, has made only 11 appearances this term.

He missed 12 games at the start of the season with a hip problem and then picked up a muscular injury in November that sidelined him for another month.

His return from that setback then proved shortlived as he hurt his ankle at former club Everton in December, not featuring again until last Wednesday’s Premier League victory over Burnley.

[5 February 2024 18:15 · Mike Jones]

Brentford vs Manchester City prediction

Brentford are in terrible form despite the return of Ivan Toney who has scored in both Premier League matches he’s played since his gambling ban ended. The Bees have lost six of their last seven league games and now take on the current champions who have not been beaten since a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa in December.

City are boosted by the returns of Manuel Akanji and Erling Haaland and with Liverpool dropping points against Arsenal yesterday they will want to take their chance to close the gap on the league leaders.

Brentford 1-3 Manchester City.

[5 February 2024 18:10 · Mike Jones]

Brentford vs Manchester City early team news

Aaron Hickey and Rico Henry remain absent for Brentford, with Sergio Reguilon’s availability therefore useful after the Spanish full-back missed the midweek defeat to Tottenham, his parent club.

Kevin Schade and Bryan Mbeumo are also sidelined, while Yoanne Wissa, Frank Onyeka and Saman Ghoddos remain on international duty.

Pep Guardiola has a fully fit squad from which to choose, with Manchester City boosted by the recent returns of Jeremy Doku, Manuel Akanji and Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian striker may make his first start after overcoming his foot issue having returned from the bench against Burnley.

Predicted line-ups

Brentford XI: Flekken; Collins, Mee, Pinnock; Roerslev, Janelt, Jensen, Norgaard, Reguilon; Toney, Maupay

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri; Foden, De Bruyne, Silva, Grealish; Haaland.

[5 February 2024 18:05 · Mike Jones]

How to watch Brentford vs Manchester City

Brentford vs Manchester City is due to kick off at 8pm GMT on Monday 5 February at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage due to start at 6.30pm GMT. Subscribers can also stream the action via Sky Go.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

[5 February 2024 18:00 · Mike Jones]

Brentford vs Manchester City

Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Brentford host Manchester City.

The Bees are hoping to distance themselves away from the relegation zone but have a difficult job on their hands if they want to take points away from City this evening. Thomas Frank’s men are currently three points ahead of Everton, who sit 18th, and any possible points from tonight’s encounter will be a bonus.

For their part, Manchester City are hunting down Liverpool who sit top of the table. Pep Guardiola’s men have two games in hand, including tonight’s fixture, and will close the gap on the Reds to two points if they triumph this evening.

We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and latest updates so stick around as we build up to kick off at 8pm.