Brentford’s second‑half roar falls just short as Haaland decides a tight night at the Gtech

Brentford’s comeback intent and intensity after the interval were everything Keith Andrews wanted to see, yet a single moment of elite centre‑forward play separated the sides as Manchester City escaped west London with a 1-0 win. Erling Haaland struck early and City clung on, but the story for the home crowd was a rousing second half that tilted the game back towards the Bees.

It was Brentford’s first home defeat of the season and their first blank in front of goal, a harsh outcome on a night when the hosts pressed high, went direct and rattled the champions. The lesson is clear: carry that second‑half bite forward, and results will follow.

A tough opening, then a steely response

Andrews, in his first managerial role, set up with a back five, bringing Kristoffer Ajer into the XI to stiffen the rear‑guard. The plan initially sacrificed territory to deny City space, but the early concession stung as Haaland muscled through traffic to score. Before the break Brentford were starved of a platform, failing to manage a single touch in City’s area.

The switch came after half‑time. The press moved up, the wing‑backs pushed on and Brentford began to own the duels. Captain Nathan Collins captured it succinctly: the first half invited City into the defensive third; the second half pushed the line up and made Guardiola’s side uncomfortable.

The chances that could have turned it

Michael Kayode set the tone with surges down the right. His header, flashing wide, signalled the shift, and his long throws asked real questions that forced even Haaland to retreat and defend. The Gtech crowd sensed vulnerability and chased every second ball.

The night’s big moment fell to Igor Thiago, suddenly clear after a Gvardiol misjudgment. Gianluigi Donnarumma darted out to smother, and the equaliser slipped away by inches. Andrews later called Brentford outstanding after the interval, and the tape backs him up: City mustered only one second‑half attempt and none on target.

Kelleher’s key stops and a back line that held firm

If City threatened to pull away before the break, Caoimhin Kelleher’s sharp stop from Tijjani Reijnders’ volley and the collective resistance of Collins, Van den Berg and company stopped the scoreboard from running. Phil Foden also dragged wide from promising positions as the Bees held the rope.

Haaland’s finish, a rare combination of strength and precision, proved the difference. Otherwise the defensive unit bent without breaking, and once the momentum turned, the champions were largely locked out. That speaks to shape, spirit and the manager’s halftime tweaks.

Pride, perspective and the path forward

This was not the result Brentford wanted, but it was a performance to build on. Two years ago the Bees did a memorable league double over City; on this evidence the gap remains bridgeable on the right day. They remain 16th with two wins from seven and, for the first time this season, without a goal — details that can be corrected with the second‑half template.

Andrews’ ambitions were denied for now, but the trajectory is promising. The back five carried purpose, the press carried bite and the restarts carried menace. Sharpen the edge in the box, and a night like this flips.

Next up: West Ham away

After the international pause, Brentford travel to West Ham on Monday 20 October. Expect the same front‑foot aggression, the same aerial threat and a push to turn pressure into points.

This setback at home should be viewed through the lens of the second half: with that level of intensity, the Bees will give themselves chances against anyone.