Erling Haaland came to the rescue as Manchester City maintained their perfect Premier League start, overcoming a lightning-fast goal from Yoane Wissa to secure a 2-1 victory.
City were stunned just 22 seconds into the game when Wissa put Brentford ahead, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up. But Haaland, continuing his remarkable form, struck twice before halftime to bring his season tally to nine goals in just four games.
The Norwegian’s start to the season is the best by any player in Premier League history, and though he was denied a third consecutive hat-trick by Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken and the woodwork, his performance was enough to seal the win.
Brentford, who were the last team to defeat City at the Etihad nearly two years ago, looked dangerous from the start, catching City off guard immediately after a tribute to former manager Sven Goran Eriksson.
The chaos began when Kristoffer Ajer whipped in a cross that Keane Lewis-Potter headed back into the box. A miscommunication between Ederson and John Stones allowed the ball to bobble into Wissa’s path, and he prodded it home to give the visitors a dream start.
Pep Guardiola was visibly frustrated on the sidelines, and Brentford almost doubled their lead soon after. Rico Lewis made a crucial last-ditch tackle on Wissa, and Ederson had to save Nathan Collins’ header off the line. Brentford continued to press, with Bryan Mbuemo coming close to an acrobatic finish.
Despite the early setback, City refocused, and Haaland quickly took center stage. In the 19th minute, after only one touch, Haaland leveled the score. Kyle Walker combined with Kevin De Bruyne, whose perfectly threaded pass found Haaland in the box. Surrounded by defenders, the Norwegian turned and unleashed a powerful strike that deflected off Ethan Pinnock to beat Flekken.
Haaland’s second came just 13 minutes later. A long ball from Ederson set him racing against Pinnock, and after a tussle, Haaland broke free to calmly chip the onrushing Flekken. Brentford protested for a foul, but VAR confirmed the goal.
Brentford’s hopes took a blow when Wissa was forced off just before halftime after a challenge from Mateo Kovacic, who was booked for the incident.
Guardiola made adjustments at halftime, introducing Rodri, fresh from his European Championship win with Spain, to stabilize the midfield. City’s control improved, and all eyes were on Haaland to see if he could complete another hat-trick.
He came close on multiple occasions. Flekken denied him from close range, tipping over a shot from an Ilkay Gundogan pass. Later, Haaland struck the post after a De Bruyne cutback, and his follow-up effort was blocked by Collins.
Despite missing out on a third goal, Haaland’s City tally now stands at an astonishing 99 goals in 103 matches. More importantly, City remain the only Premier League side with a perfect record, as they march toward a potential fifth consecutive title, pending any outcomes from ongoing investigations.
