Brentford Come from Behind to Earn Thrilling 2-2 Draw Against Manchester City

Brentford staged a stunning comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, with Christian Norgaard's stoppage-time equalizer sealing a dramatic point.

Manchester City squandered a two-goal advantage, allowing Brentford to snatch a dramatic 2-2 draw at the death. This stunning turnaround left the reigning Premier League champions with a dismal record of just one win in their last 10 away matches across all competitions, accompanied by two draws and seven losses.

Fresh from their resounding 8-0 FA Cup victory over Salford City, Manchester City were seeking to extend their winning streak to four consecutive matches. However, they faced a formidable challenge in Brentford, who boast the second-best home record in the Premier League this season. The Bees' impressive form at their own ground made them a force to be reckoned with, and they ultimately proved capable of shocking the champions.

Brentford began the match with a clear intent to attack, as Mads Roerslev burst down the right flank and picked out Yoane Wissa, who laid the ball off to Bryan Mbeumo. Although the opportunity ultimately came to nothing, Wissa and Mbeumo continued to pose problems for the Manchester City defense. The latter, in particular, was a thorn in City's side, forcing Stefan Ortega into a save with a powerful run forward.

Manchester City's first genuine chance arrived midway through the first half, courtesy of Erling Haaland. Kevin De Bruyne delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Haaland was waiting at the back post. However, the Norwegian striker could only steer his header into the side netting. Despite this missed opportunity, Brentford continued to press their visitors, with Keane Lewis-Potter breaking through on goal. Unfortunately for the Bees, Lewis-Potter opted to pass instead of shoot, allowing City to clear the danger.

The second half saw Manchester City emerge with renewed momentum, as Savinho embarked on a remarkable solo run that culminated in a shot off the woodwork. The visitors continued to apply pressure, with Haaland heading over the bar and Savinho seeing another effort hit the side netting. However, City's persistence eventually paid off in the 66th minute, as they took the lead through Phil Foden. Savinho played a key role in the goal, picking out De Bruyne down the right flank. The Belgian midfielder then delivered an exquisite cross that allowed Foden to guide the ball into the corner with precision.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank would have been furious with the ease at which his team was carved open for Manchester City's opening goal. However, his side nearly responded immediately, as Bryan Mbeumo rounded Stefan Ortega and saw his effort helped on by Yoane Wissa, only to be denied by a brilliant last-ditch block from Nathan Ake on the goal line.

As Brentford pushed for an equalizer, they were caught on the counter-attack, allowing City to double their lead. Savinho's mazy run ended with a shot saved by Ortega, but Phil Foden was on hand to power home the rebound. With the match seemingly slipping away, Brentford pulled a goal back with just under 10 minutes remaining, as Wissa was left unmarked to turn in Mads Roerslev's cross.

In a stunning turn of events, Brentford capitalized on Manchester City's defensive vulnerabilities to snatch a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time. Christian Norgaard was given far too much space in the box to head home the equalizer, securing a hard-fought point for the Bees and ending a run of three consecutive head-to-head losses to City. The late equalizer will have been a relief for Thomas Frank's side, who showed remarkable resilience to come back from two goals down.