Manchester City secured a convincing win at Brentford, two points behind leaders Liverpool, thanks to Phil Foden’s hat-trick. The hosts took the lead through Neal Maupay’s breakaway goal in the 21st minute, but it took a heroic performance from Bees keeper Mark Flekken to keep the reigning champions at bay.
Foden’s goal gave City the momentum they needed, and he grabbed his second eight minutes after the break. Brentford had fleeting chances to level, but City were vastly superior and secured the win 20 minutes from time.
The game was marked by an angry bust-up between Kyle Walker and Erling Haaland, with Foden assuming the goalscoring responsibilities. City’s seventh successive win since claiming the Club World Cup in December suggests another charge, and they can now go top with a victory over Everton at Etihad Stadium.
Brentford’s chances were limited, but City’s performance was too good, with Foden’s goal in a fifth successive game.
(BBC)
