Wayne Lumbasi
Manchester City returned to winning ways in the Premier League on Wednesday night by beating Brentford at the Etihad Stadium, with errors from the visitors ultimately defining the game.
City started slowly, Brentford’s 5-4-1 limiting the space into which they could attack. But a City goal seemed inevitable and eventually the pressure of concentration told, Mads Roerslev sliding into Raheem Sterling for no apparent reason; Mahrez slotted home the penalty with disquieting ease. Manchester City then added a second through Kevin De Bruyne.
Under the City press, Raya gave the ball straight to Sterling just outside the penalty area. The Englishman then struck straight at Raya but the rebound found the path of De Bruyne, who slammed into the empty net.
City completely controlled possession, limiting the Bees to fleeting counter attacks. But it was almost half an hour into the game before the champions and Premier League leaders actually did something meaningful with it and tested David Raya in the Brentford goal.
The Spaniard got down low to claw the ball away and stop Raheem Sterling from getting an easy tap-in before Joao Cancelo blazed the rebound high and wide. Soon after, an acrobatic attempt from Sterling missed the target. Aymeric Laporte also fired a good chance narrowly wide.
The first shot on target belonged to Brentford, although it was a tame header from Frank Onyeka. Rico Henry had a better chance just before half-time, with Ederson bravely diving at his feet.
A 19th Premier League win of the season saw City extend their lead at the top of the table to 12 points from second-placed Liverpool.
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