Brentford 2-2 Manchester City - Five Statistics After City Fail To Win Again

Thomas Frank named Arsenal “one of the best teams in Europe”, after they were defeated 1-3 in their last Premier League game at home. Bryan Mbeumo, who has been in tremendous form for the Bees, scored the opening goal in the fixture, and Brentford came very close to going 2-0 up not long thereafter. However, Arsenal would prevail with goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli. If Frank considers Arsenal one of the best teams in Europe, his views on his next home fixture against Manchester City would be fascinating. After all, Manchester City aren't doing too well by their high standards.

Pep Guardiola and Thomas Frank are the two longest serving managers that are currently managing in the Premier League. Thomas Frank's kind words about Arsenal weren't just a one time thing. This time he gave a compliment to Pep Guardiola, labelling him the "best coach in the world". He also added, "What they've done for the last four years shouldn't be possible, it's hugely impressive and they will go again."

Kind sentiments before a game that did not disappoint. Brentford needed all three points to push towards European places, while City were desperate to get back into the top four. A 2-2 draw wouldn't necessarily help either side hit their targets, but Brentford would be the happier of the two, having made an incredible comeback from 2-0 down. After a first half with quite a few chances that weren't converted, the second was an end-to-end thriller.

We were promised goals, and goals is what we got. Phil Foden met an incredible ball from Kevin De Bruyne with finness and City were 1-0 up. The surprising part of Manchester City's play was that no goals came from the duo that had combined for 7 goal involvements in City's last two games. Haaland missed a clear header, and Savinho was dangerous but ineffective when it came to finishing. Phil Foden would help in this regard, and he loves scoring against Brentford. His brace put the Citizens 2-0 up.

Brentford did not give up, and were rewarded in a brilliant ten minute spell that saw goals from Wissa and Norgaard. They had created numerous chances throughout the game, that were either offside or were unlucky. A game that Brentford fans will definitely remember, for Manchester City it is another reminder of the troubles that they are facing this season.

Here are five interesting statistics after this thrilling encounter:

5. Brentford’s terrible clean sheets record against Manchester City

Brentford have kept only one clean sheet against Manchester City in their last eight Premier League appearances (Won 2, Drawn 1, Lost 5). The last time they kept a clean sheet against them was in May 2023

4. Brentford love scoring late

Brentford have scored seven times this season in the 90+ minute. This time Norgaard's header ensured a point for the Bees.

3. Thomas Frank versus Pep Guardiola

This was the first Premier League game in which a meeting between Pep Guardiola and Thomas Frank has ended in a draw. The previous seven meetings ended in five victories for Manchester City, and two wins for Brentford.

2. Yoane Wissa becomes Brentford's all-time top Premier League scorer

The record previously held by Ivan Toney of being the all-time top Premier League goal scorer for Brentford, now belongs to Yoane Wissa. Wissa has scored 37 goals for Brentford in the Premier League.

1. Phil Phoden loves scoring against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium

In his last two away matches at Brentford, Phil Foden has scored five goals - a hat-trick in February 2024 - and a brace in yesterday's encounter.

What did you think of the game? Will Manchester City make the top four or can Brentford manage to snatch a European spot?

Let us know in the comments!