- Manchester City moved up to second in the table after beating Brentford
- Phil Foden scored his second career hat-trick during the 3-1 win on Monday
- IAN LADYMAN picks his top five Premier League centre backs of all time – It’s All Kicking Off podcast
On Monday night, Manchester City stormed to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Brentford as they maintained their Premier League title push.
Phil Foden grabbed his second career hat-trick on the night, after scoring one just before half-time and two more in the second period at the GTech Community Stadium.
Neal Maupay had given the hosts a surprise lead early on, after sneaking behind the City defence, but it wasn’t enough for the Bees on the night.
City moved up to second in the table – just two points behind Liverpool with a game in hand – while Brentford remian in 15th.
Here, Mail Sport’s JACK GAUGHAN provides player ratings.
Brentford (3-5-2)
Flekken 8; Collins 6, Pinnock 6, Mee 7; Roerslev 6 (Lewis-Potter 76), Jensen 6.5 (Damsgaard 77), Norgaard 6.5, Janelt 6 (Yarmoliuk 76), Reguilon 7 (Ajer 79); Toney 6.5, Maupay 7 (Baptiste 90)
Subs not used: Strakosha, Zanka, Brierley, Fredrick
Manchester City (4-1-4-1)
Ederson – 6
A few hairy moments in the first half when coming to deal with short balls back in his direction.
Kyle Walker – 7
Back into the side and Walker’s athleticism gave City an edge down that right-hand side. Decent use of the ball.
Ruben Dias – 7
Seemed a little shaken by Ivan Toney early doors. Huge block at 2-1 though and put his body on the line.
Nathan Ake – 7
Cleverly blocked off by Toney for the opener before becoming more composed as the game wore on.
Josko Gvardiol – 7.5
One of his better nights in a City shirt. More compact defensively and did the basics when progressing forward.
Rodri – 7.5
Pep Guardiola asked a lot of the central midfielder on a night that was always going to be full of transitions.
Bernardo Silva – 7
Neat and tidy on the right wing. Main function was to engineer enough space for Kevin De Bruyne to do his work.
Kevin De Bruyne – 8.5
Another very encouraging display during the first few weeks of his comeback. Dictates proceedings effortlessly.
Julian Alvarez – 8
Busy in behind Erling Haaland and gets through enough work to justify playing in a slightly deeper position.
Phil Foden – 9.5
Second-ever hat-trick and thoroughly deserved for his recent performances. Growing into one of this team’s real stars and more decisive than ever.
Erling Haaland – 7
Should have buried a golden first-half chance but link play looked sharp and a smart assist for Foden’s third.
Subs
Jeremy Doku (for Silva, 71) – 6
Mateo Kovacic (for Haaland, 86)
Subs not used: Ortega, Stones, Kovacic, Grealish, Akanji, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
