Manchester City Throws Out The Advantages, Physically Becomes A Problem

Phil Foden's two lead goals failed to defend Manchester City against Brentford (Instagram/@mancity).

JAKARTA - Manchester City threw away a two-goal advantage when they traveled to Brentford headquarters on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, early morning WIB.

Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard's last-minute goals forced the hosts to a 2-2 draw.

After suffering six league defeats in November and December 2024, The Citizens bounced back with a draw against Everton (1-1) and won over Leicester City (2-0) and West Ham (4-1).

However, his non-optimal physical condition against Brentford thwarted them from winning three lucky wins in the Premier League. Their brief revivals stopped suddenly.

One additional point left The Citizens in sixth place in the standings with 35 points, 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool who drew 1-1 at Nottingham Forest who were in second place.

"We looked tired at the end of the last 20 minutes, we looked weak. They gave the long balls into the penalty box and we couldn't handle it physically in the end," said Foden, who scored all Manchester City's goals against Brentford.

Foden further emphasized that the physical problem must be resolved. The reason is, they will undergo a solid and heavy agenda next week by returning to compete in the Champions League.

"This is definitely an improvement from before. Our performance is much better than ever."

"We still have to move forward to where we want to be. As long as we keep moving forward and improving it, that's what we want to do," said Forden again.

Manchester City will face Ipswich Town on January 19, 2025 before traveling to Paris Saint-Germain headquarters on January 23, 2025.

After returning from Paris, The Citizens have been waiting for Chelsea in the Premier League three days later.

Meanwhile, all Manchester City's goals were scored in the second half. They struggled to create chances in the first half.

Sawinho almost broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, pushed forward through the left side before firing a shot that hit the post.

Two minutes later, Erling Haaland's header headed straight for the opposing goalkeeper. In fact, he should have scored.

Manchester City only managed to break the deadlock in the 66th minute, when a brilliant pass from the right by Kevin De Bruyne was met with Foden's volley, which directed him to the far post.

The game should have ended when Foden turned 2-0 in the 78th minute.

He reacted the fastest to grab the bouncing ball after Savinho's initial shot was parried.

However, four minutes later, Wissa confirmed a tense finish as she opened fire from close range to reduce the gap.

Manchester City defenders are late on alert to protect their lead. They should have realized the threat posed by Brentford after the hosts scored the first goal.

Sure enough, Norgaard became a disaster. He brought the hosts back two minutes into injury time. The Danish headed the ball pretty hard which Stefan Ortega couldn't drive away.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was excited at the final whistle, hugged and scolded his goalkeeper after a disappointing performance from his team.

For Brentford, these results deserve high value. They can rise from two goals behind to force one point.

"I don't know how we did it. We remained in the game even though we were 0-2 behind."

"We stayed there. I am proud of the way we managed to get up in the game. We will not lose by one goal difference."

"So, when Wissa scored a goal back, I don't know how it got there, but I'm happy to see it (the ball) coming in."

"Even though I'm not a striker, I tend to listen in meetings. I just hit a gap and I was lucky to see it (the ball) coming in," said Norgaard.