Haaland strikes early as Guardiola reaches 250: City edge Brentford in a ferocious, two-phase contest
Manchester City banked a hard-earned 1-0 win at Brentford thanks to Erling Haaland’s ninth-minute finish, a result that delivered Pep Guardiola's 250th Premier League victory in record time. City’s supremacy before the interval contrasted sharply with a combative, aerially charged second half that tested their nerve and organization.
Brentford, unbeaten at home until now, were blanked before half-time and then surged after the restart, turning the game into a scrap of long throws, set-pieces and rushing counters. City, who have lately flirted with late mishaps, held their line this time, clinging to Haaland's strike and a clean sheet as the champions moved up to fifth and within three points of leaders Arsenal.
A ruthless start, then a narrowing margin