Phil Foden admitted Manchester City failed to “cope with the physicality” of Brentford as they surrendered a two-goal lead at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Pep Guardiola's side were well on course for a fourth successive victory in all competitions, with Foden's brace putting them 2-0 ahead after 78 minutes.
However, Brentford launched a late revival when Yoane Wissa pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute before Christian Norgaard headed in an equalizer in the second minute of stoppage time.
City have now dropped fourteen points from wins in the Premier League this season, the most in a single season under Guardiola.
“We just looked tired at the end, the last 20, 30 minutes,” Foden told TNT Sports. “We looked leggy and they increased the pressure and put longer balls into the box.
“We ultimately couldn't deal with the physicality. It's one of the hardest places to get to, and they give you different challenges.
“I was happy with the performance until we were 1-0 up and then we let our performance slip away and gave the ball away. It's something to learn from.”
Thanks for your brilliant support tonight in Londonpic.twitter.com/sVB1Nux6CG
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 14, 2025
Nevertheless, the England midfielder, who has now scored seven goals in as many appearances against Brentford, believes the Citizens are turning a corner after a disappointing recent spell of form that saw just one win from 13 games.
“It's definitely carried over from the past and the performance is a lot better than it was,” he added.
“We still have steps to go to where we want to be, but as long as we keep taking small steps and improving, that's what we want to achieve.”
Meanwhile, Brentford came from two goals down to avoid defeat in a Premier League match for the second time this season (including a 4-3 win against Ipswich Town in October). The Bees have scored seven goals in the Premier League from the 90th minute onwards this season, the most in the division.
Thomas Frank was full of praise for his players after they pushed the reigning Premier League champions to their limits.
“I just said to the players there that I was extremely happy and proud of the performance,” he said.
“I think this is the first time in four years that we have faced a top three club in 90 minutes. I think Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have been the three best clubs in the last four years.” we've been in the Premier League.
“The ability and the mentality to do that, the courage throughout the game, [I’m] I am very proud of that and it is of course a fantastic mentality to come back from a 2-0 deficit.”
Comments