Manchester City squandered a commanding two-goal lead as Brentford staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 2-2 draw in a pulsating Premier League clash on Tuesday. Late strikes from Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard salvaged a point for the Bees, leaving City’s resurgence short-lived.
City entered the contest buoyed by recent victories over Leicester City and West Ham United, hoping to continue their recovery from a dismal November and December. However, their inability to see off Brentford highlights lingering vulnerabilities.
The draw leaves City sixth on the table with 35 points, 12 behind league leaders Liverpool, who also dropped points in a 1-1 draw against second-placed Nottingham Forest. Brentford’s spirited fightback elevated them to 10th on 28 points.
After a lackluster first half, City began the second period with renewed intent. Winger Savinho almost broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, striking the post after an incisive run. Erling Haaland then spurned a golden opportunity moments later, heading straight at the goalkeeper.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute when Kevin De Bruyne delivered a sumptuous cross from the right. Phil Foden met it with a delicate volley to put City ahead. The England midfielder doubled the advantage in the 78th minute, pouncing on a rebound after Savinho’s effort was parried.
At 2-0, City appeared to have sealed the victory, silencing the Brentford supporters.
Yet, the hosts refused to capitulate. Four minutes after Foden’s second, Wissa halved the deficit, firing home from close range to reignite the contest. Brentford piled on the pressure, their physical approach unsettling a weary City defense.
Deep into injury time, Denmark international Christian Norgaard completed the dramatic turnaround. Rising to meet a cross, his glancing header carried just enough power to beat goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, despite a strong hand from the City shot-stopper.
City manager Pep Guardiola cut a frustrated figure at the final whistle, animatedly addressing his players after their late capitulation.
Reflecting on the result, Foden admitted City faltered under Brentford’s pressure. “We just looked tired at the end in the last 20 minutes, we looked leggy,” he said. “They put longer balls into the box, and we didn’t deal with the physicality in the end.”
For Brentford, the result highlighted their resilience. “We stayed in the game even though we were 2-0 down,” Norgaard said. “I’m proud of the way we managed to come back. Even though I’m not a striker, I just attacked the gap and was fortunate to see it go in.”
Brentford’s character earned them a deserved point, while City’s title ambitions took another hit in what was an enthralling encounter.
