In their penultimate Premier League match before the World Cup break, Brentford defeated Manchester City 2-1 thanks to two goals from Ivan Toney, who scored once for his team and once for the opposition.
Brentford shocks Man City with two goals from Ivan Toney
Toney, who was not selected for England’s team to travel to Qatar, took advantage of Brentford’s strong start, scoring in the 16th minute with a looping header that went over Ederson.
When Kevin De Bruyne’s corner was flicked on, Phil Foden slammed in a beautiful half-volley for his eighth league goal of the year. City had a strong appeal for a penalty ruled down for a handball before they equalised just before halftime.
Aymeric Laporte, who has been selected for Spain’s World Cup team, had to pause the game for a while after the interval to undergo treatment when Ethan Pinnock accidentally elbowed him, causing a cut on his forehead.
Brentford’s defence choked City’s assault, limiting striker Erling Haaland to a few half-chances despite the team having 29 chances to score. City only managed six goals on target as a result. That created the opportunity for Toney’s game-winning goal as Brentford advanced in the last seconds of the second half. The 26-year-old made no mistakes as he fired home to secure a surprise triumph.
Toney told BT Sport: “Obviously, not getting selected for the England team was disappointing, but I know what I’m capable of, so I won’t let it get to me. I’ll just keep going and keep doing well for Brentford.” The players’ teammates and the spectators, as you can see, are the inspiration. This is what we can do if we put in the effort.
The table’s leaders, Arsenal, who face Wolverhampton Wanderers later on Saturday, are two points ahead of City, who has 32 points and has maintained second place. With 19 points, Brentford is ranked 10th.