City throw away two-goal lead against Brentford
Brentford 2 - 2 Manchester City
Manchester City’s bid for a fifth consecutive Premier League title took another hit as they squandered a 2-0 lead to draw against Brentford.
The Bees looked down and out after trailing by two goals with just 12 minutes left, but Yoane Wissa sparked a dramatic comeback with a strike before captain Christian Nørgaard’s 92nd-minute header salvaged a point in a thrilling finale.
Brentford nearly snatched all three points in the dying moments, but Nathan Aké came to City’s rescue, heading Bryan Mbeumo’s curling effort off the line in the 95th minute.
City had taken the lead in the 66th minute, with Phil Foden expertly guiding a side-footed volley from Kevin De Bruyne’s sublime cross. Brentford almost levelled five minutes later, only for Aké to clear Wissa’s attempt, set up by Mbeumo’s impressive work around goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, off the line.
Premier League: 2024/2025 season
Foden looked to have sealed the win in the 78th minute, pouncing on the rebound after Mark Flekken could only parry Savinho’s effort, doubling his tally for the night.
However, the hosts had other plans. Wissa pulled one back with a composed finish from six yards, marking his 37th top-flight goal – a milestone that places him above Ivan Toney as Brentford’s all-time Premier League top scorer.
The Gtech Community Stadium erupted moments later when Nørgaard powered home a header past Ortega, capping off an exhilarating comeback.
While City have dominated the Premier League over the past four seasons, a poor run of form in November and December – with just one win in nine league games – has dented their title hopes this campaign.
Despite recent morale-boosting victories against Leicester and West Ham, as well as an emphatic 8-0 thrashing of League Two side Salford City in the FA Cup, this draw will feel like two points dropped for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Fan reaction
We spoke to a number of Brentford fans after the match. See below for what they had to say. They were all very happy with the performance.
Thomas: What a complete performance against one of the best teams in the world! We were consistent throughout both halves, defended brilliantly, looked a real threat going forward, and fought for every ball. The effort and pressing from the lads were incredible – we never stopped! I couldn't be prouder of this team.
Jerry: I thought we were outstanding. If we’d been a bit braver in the first half and started Kevin Schade against their holding midfielder, I’m convinced we’d have won. Honestly, I never felt we were under serious threat. If we’d just taken our chances… but what a game that was! The players were absolutely brilliant.
Paul: What an incredible night! The performance was unreal – it could have easily been 5-2! It was so entertaining to watch, and seeing Rico Lewis back in Premier League action was a real highlight.
Kevin: Super proud of the Brentford team tonight. This was one of the best games at the Gtech this season – it honestly felt like a win! That said, you can’t help but think City should’ve seen the game out completely, as they have in past seasons. A
