In a classic Premier League game at the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Manchester City.
The game provided non-stop excitement as City looked to be heading for victory before Brentford’s blistering comeback, proving once again why they have one of the division’s best records at home.
The first half ended goalless, but it was far from uneventful. Both sides 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 Stefano Ortega into a fine save.
Moments later, City’s Erling Haaland squandered a golden opportunity, heading home Kevin De Bruyne’s pinpoint cross.
City had 62% of the possession in the first half and De Bruyne created 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 GIVE UP 💪 pic.twitter.com/QjcfmRwsJW
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 14, 2025
Meanwhile, the hosts showed promise on the counterattack, but lacked precision in the final third.
City finally broke the deadlock in the 66th minute through Phil Foden. De Bruyne, instrumental all evening, weighed the cross perfectly into the box and Foden diverted the ball past Flekken for 1-0.
Just 12 minutes later, Foden doubled City’s lead. Savinho’s initial effort was saved by Flekken, but the rebound fell well to Foden, who struck to give City a seemingly convincing 2-0 lead.
However, the Bees refused to give up. Brentford pulled one back in the 82nd minute, thanks to Wissa. Mads Roerslev sent a teasing cross into the box and Wissa capitalized on Nathan Ake’s missed clearance to fire into the top corner. The goal energized the home crowd and prepared the ground for the final in the stands.
The drama reached its crescendo in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Keane Lewis-Potter broke through on the right and crossed for Christian Norgaard, who rose above the City defense and headed the ball towards the goal. Ortega caught it but couldn’t stop it, and the ball nestled into the net and sparked wild celebrations.
Brentford almost took all three points moments later when Mbeumo teed up Ortega, but Ake made a heroic save from the line to preserve a point for City.
