MATCH REPORT AND PLAYER RATNGS - BRENTFORD 1-3 MANCHESTER CITY

Image courtesy of @CityHQ on X

The second hattrick of Phil Foden's career was enough for Manchester City to come from behind to beat Brentford at the G-Tech Community Stadium to continue their fine run of form since Christmas.

The England international's treble was enough to overcome the only side to do the double over City last season, in a game which saw City start all their best attacking players, in Foden, Julian Alvarez, Bernardo Silva, Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland with Rodri operating as the single defensive midfielder.

Having so many difference makers on the pitch meant City were bound to create chances, and create chances they did. Alvarez, Josko Gvardiol and Kyle Walker came incredibly close with powerful long range drives, but goalkeeper Mark Flekken was equal to all of the efforts.

The Dutch goalkeeper was then involved as Brentford took the lead against the run of play, with his long goal kick catching out City's defence and leaving Neal Maupay with a one vs one opportunity, which he tucked away with aplomb past the outcoming Ederson.

City continued to probe, but it looked like it wouldn't be their day as they continued to squander chances. De Bruyne and Gvardiol tested Flekken from the edge of the area, but the biggest opportunity came from Haaland, who pounced upon a loose back pass but was unable to beat the keeper from a tight angle on the right hand side.

As it was, it was De Bruyne's sheer will that dragged City back level on the stroke of half time. The Belgian midfielder collected the ball and forced it into the penalty box from in the right half space, with Ethan Pinnock's miscued headed clearance falling at the feet of Foden.

City's number 47 kept his cool and controlled a volley into the back of the net to draw the score level and bag his 12th goal of the season in all competitions, and added his second shortly after the break with a header after a fine De Bruyne cross.

Foden made it a hattrick after receiving a lay off from Haaland and carrying the ball forwards, before slotting it past Flekken to seal the three points.

He celebrated all three of his goals by getting down on one knee and shooting a sniper in the direction of the away fans, an ode to his nickname of "the sniper" amongst his City teammates due to his frequent shooting in 5 a side matches in training.

Brentford, despite being outplayed in almost every department, had their fair share of chances, with Ivan Toney's close range volley heading over the crossbar being their most notable opportunity, along with Christian Norgaard's effort from near the penalty spot, which was blocked well by Ruben Dias.

City and Brentford meet again at the Etihad Stadium in two weeks time, but the Blues have two home matches against Everton and Chelsea to contend with before then, along with a trip to Copenhagen for their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 knockout first round tie.

Here are the player ratings after the win against Thomas Frank's side:

Ederson - 6/10 - A bit looser with his passing than usual. Not much he could do with the goal, and didn't have much goalkeeping to do as most of Brentford's chances missed the target. Had one incredibly rash moment rushing out and clattering a Brentford player outside the penalty area following a free kick, and was perhaps fortunate to get away without receiving a foul.

Walker - 6.5/10 - Had a few moments where he was caught lacking, but was solid otherwise. His performance levels are starting to improve despite his off field issues, which is a testament to his attitude and professionalism.

Dias - 7/10 - Started out looking shaky, but grew into the game well and tussled well with Maupay and Toney. Made a remarkable trademark block to keep City ahead in the second half.

Ake - 7/10 - Passed the ball accurately, won numerous headers and had an overall solid defensive game.

Gvardiol - 7/10 - Looked a threat going forwards, and let off a few decent efforts on goal. Slightly shaky at the back at times, and could've arguably done more to cover for the Brentford goal.

Rodri - 8/10 - Was always there in the middle of the park to keep City flowing with crisp, sharp passing. Arguably City's best player in the first half, Rodri barely lost the ball and laid it off well to City's creative forwards to create chances.

Bernardo - 6.5/10 - Fairly quiet out on the right wing. Linked up well with De Bruyne on occasion, and worked hard defensively and played an important part in maintaining possession and control.

De Bruyne - 7.5/10 - Looked the most likely to create something out of nothing for the Blues. De Bruyne gave the ball away a lot, but it was all because he was trying to make something happen. As it was, he played a crucial role in City's first and second roles with his sheer will and desire to create, as well as his sensational technique.

Alvarez - 8/10 - City's biggest goal threat in the first half. Alvarez looked menacing when dropping deep and receiving the ball, and will only be disappointed that he didn't ad his name to the scoresheet. The Argentinian is making himself very difficult to drop with his current run of excellent form.

Foden - 10/10 - What more to say than City have a player on their hands destined to surpass the legacy of all of those that came before him. Foden sparkled on Monday night, with his silky dribbling, control in tight spaces and lethal finishing being the difference between the two sides on the night.

Haaland - 6.5/10 - In his first start in nearly two months, Haaland was kept quiet by Brentford's physical and aggressive back three. His build up play and dribbling has come on leaps and bounds from when he first arrived at City, however, as evidenced by his role in City's third goal.

Substitutes:

Doku - 6.5/10 - Showed a few flashes of pace and skill off the bench, but couldn't really influence the game with City already 3-1 up and cruising.

Kovacic - Not enough time to make an impact.