United States of America (USA) international Zack Steffen was on the substitutes’ bench for the entire duration of the game as Manchester City beat newcomers Brentford 2-0 at home to increase their lead at the summit as far as the Premier League is concerned this season. Manchester City were able to return to winning ways at the first time of asking in the league after they drew their last league game.
West London club Brentford frustrated Manchester City for 40 minutes before the hosts made the breakthrough from the penalty spot. Algerian international Riyad Mahrez scored a 40th minute penalty after Raheem Sterling was fouled in the box. Mahrez was able to make it eight straight successful penalties in the colours of Manchester City with the opening goal. His penalty goal gave the Citizens a slim advantage at the end of the first half.
Brentford offered little going forward as they had to start the game without their top two strikers Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo. English striker Toney missed the game with an injury, while Frenchman Mbeumo was subbed into the game in the second half having just recovered from Covid-19.
Visitors Brentford were almost non-existent in attack, but Manchester City still had to kill the game off to seal the three points and they did just that in the 69th minute through star player Kevin De Bruyne who profitted from a David Raya mistake. Raya is the first choice goalkeeper at Brentford and the Spaniard was playing his first Premier League game in over four months due to a serious knee injury.
With the 2-0 home win over Brentford, Manchester City moved 12 points clear at the top of the table though nearest challenger Liverpool have two games in hand over the leaders.