Manchester City moved to second in the standings with a narrow 1-0 victory against Brentford.
At times on Tuesday night, it looked like Pep Guardiola’s side might be held to their second consecutive draw after the 1-1 result against Chelsea.
But Kristoffer Ajer’s slip allowed Erling Haaland to race through and net the only goal of the game in the 71st minute.
Mail Sport’s Aadam Patel was at the Etihad Stadium, and he gives his verdict on how City players performed on the night.
Pep Guardiola was forced to wait but Man City took the victory after a 71st minute winner
Ederson – 7
Didn’t have much to do but was solid when needed. Made two saves in the first-half.
Kyle Walker – 7
Strong at the back and a threat going forward. Exactly what Guardiola would have wanted from his captain after a tough day at the office on Saturday.
John Stones – 7
A joy to watch and so crucial to the way City play.
Ruben Dias – 7
Solid, as ever and did superbly in the physical battle with Ivan Toney, regularly coming out on top in the aerial duels. A fit Stones and Dias partnership will be crucial if City are to make it four Premier League titles in a row.
Ruben Dias (right) was superb in his physical battle with Brentford striker Ivan Toney (left)
Bernardo Silva was not at his best and guilty of taking too long on the ball on Tuesday night
Manuel Akanji – 7
Didn’t have much to do defensively but like Walker, didn’t do much wrong. Another reliable performance,
Rodri – 7
Quality, as usual. Played a part in the build-up to Haaland’s goal.
Bernardo Silva – 6
Not at his best and perhaps guilty of taking too long on the ball. Missed a great chance in the first half when he headed wide from Walker’s cross.
Phil Foden – 6
Thomas Frank said on Monday that Foden is England’s best chance of winning the Ballon d’Or but this was an unusually quiet night for Foden. Struggled to make an impact, despite scoring a hat-trick against Brentford a fortnight ago.
Julian Alvarez – 7
Put in a good shift and was applauded off by Pep Guardiola in the 89th minute after another energetic performance. Provided the assist for Haaland.
Phil Foden struggled to make an impact despite scoring a hat-trick against the same opponents a fortnight ago
Erling Haaland was again the difference maker and star performer for the champions
Oscar Bobb – 7
Impressive showing on his first Premier League start and denied a superb goal by a spectacular goalline clearance from Ben Mee. Had some bright moments, before he was taken off on the hour mark for Jeremy Doku as City hunted for the breakthrough.
Erling Haaland – 8
Brentford did well to keep him quiet in the first half but again, the Norwegian showed his class with the decisive goal. A wonderfully taken finish past the superb Mark Flecken, which ultimately proved to be the difference
SUBS
Jeremy Doku – 6
Impressive in glimpses after coming on and certainly added a spark to City in their attacking phases.
