Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola explains what Brentford did to Man City that no club has ever attempted after their 2-1 victory

Manchester City had a tough game against Brentford, but Erling Haaland helped them come back and get another Premier League win.

Pep Guardiola said that in nine years, no team has given Manchester City as many problems in the first half as Brentford did on Saturday. He also said that the 2-1 win over Thomas Frank’s team was “lucky.”

Guardiola was behind after Yoane Wissa scored the first goal in the 23rd second. Within 15 minutes, Brentford could have been two or three goals ahead as they cut the winners open with ease.

Erling Haaland scored after a blocked ball in the box and then Ethan Pinnock made a mistake, and City never looked back. They went on to win an important game. Guardiola said that the tests Brentford gave his team showed what he has been trying to make them understand for a while.

“I dont remember in eight or nine years a team that plays the way like Brentford did in the first 20 minutes,” he said. “They deserve praise. We weren’t doing our best. It’s hard to deal with. They should be up 2-0 or 3-0.

“They make a chance every time they have the ball.” I don’t remember a team making things this bad [against City]. They break the lines with long balls, duels, and short passes. It’s quick to change plays and strong in set pieces and comeback plays. “A truly amazing team.”

Guardiola also didn’t say much good things about Frank. He said that a top team would soon hire the Brentford manager, but he was happy that his team had to fight for the whole game to get the win. It was proof of the warnings he had been giving on the practice field but didn’t think were getting through.

“It’s so productive for us to win these kind of games,” he told us. “Winning is important, but this is a good way to do it.” I always tell them to be careful. They could feel it now.

“They felt it from the start to the finish.” The staff even says, “OMG, how we suffered today.” That’s why it’s so hard to win the Premier League. Take a look at what happened this weekend.”

Frank agreed with Guardiola, saying that their first half hour was something that only a few teams can do. “I think in the first 25 minutes if Manchester City is the best team of all, then we were world class,” he said.

While we were tight, it was clear that we were the better team. We had more control, more shots on goal, and more xG, which is something that only Liverpool and Arsenal do. I’m angry that we didn’t get anything out of the game, but I’m also very proud of what we did against Man City.