Man City throw away two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Brentford

Manchester City‘s quest for a fifth successive Premier League title hit another roadblock as they squandered a 2-0 lead to draw with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

City appeared to be cruising to victory after Phil Foden scored twice, but the resilient Bees fought back with goals from Yoane Wissa and captain Christian Norgaard, whose 92nd-minute header secured a deserved point for the hosts.

The reigning champions took the lead in the 66th minute when Kevin De Bruyne’s pinpoint cross found Foden, who cushioned a side-footed volley past Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken. Foden doubled City’s advantage 12 minutes later, reacting quickest to slot home after Flekken parried Savinho’s effort.

Despite trailing 2-0, Brentford refused to back down. Wissa halved the deficit in the 81st minute, calmly slotting home from close range after Bryan Mbeumo’s smart setup. The comeback was complete in stoppage time when Norgaard powered a header beyond Stefan Ortega, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.

Brentford nearly snatched a dramatic victory in the 95th minute, but Nathan Ake’s crucial goal-line clearance denied Mbeumo’s curled effort.

City manager Pep Guardiola lamented his side’s inability to close out the game. “At 2-0, we had to finish it off. We don’t have the type of player to defend in the box, so we have to control the ball. But we didn’t make the right decisions in the final third,” Guardiola said.

The draw leaves City frustrated, as a strong performance marked by victories over Leicester, West Ham, and an 8-0 demolition of Salford City in the FA Cup now feels like an opportunity missed. Brentford, meanwhile, extended their unbeaten run with a spirited display that underscores their growth under Thomas Frank.

City remains in the title race but faces an uphill battle, with a lack of consistency in November and December potentially proving costly in their pursuit of silverware.