In a thrilling encounter during Match Week 4, Manchester City edged out Brentford with a 2-1 victory. The game was a tactical showcase, with City demonstrating their usual dominance in possession while Brentford’s disciplined approach kept the match competitive.

Key Stats Breakdown

Shots: City registered a high volume of shots, totaling 18 compared to Brentford’s 6. However, both teams were efficient in their shot selection, with City’s 6 shots on target and Brentford’s 4 indicating a high conversion rate from attempts to on-target efforts.
Expected Goals (xG): The xG values reflect the quality of chances created by both sides. City had an xG of 1.88, indicating they were slightly above par in finishing their opportunities, while Brentford’s xG of 1.25 suggests they were also clinical in front of goal.
Possession: City dominated possession with 55% and spent considerable time in Brentford’s half, as indicated by their 87 possession numbers and 32 occurrences of reaching the opponent’s box. Brentford, though having less possession at 45%, made their transitions count with incisive counter-attacks.

Match Momentum

The match momentum graph showcases City’s gradual control over the game, with peaks in their xG progression during key moments. Erling Haaland’s early goal set the tone for City, and despite Brentford’s resilient defending, City managed to maintain a steady build-up in attack, reflected in their 38 progressive runs. Brentford’s momentum, albeit less frequent, was sharp and effective, with Yoane Wissa’s goal highlighting their ability to strike quickly on the counter.

Shots Taken and Shots on Goal

City’s shot map illustrates a varied attacking approach, with attempts coming from both inside and outside the box. Their ability to create shooting opportunities in dangerous areas is evident, with two goals coming from within the penalty area.

Brentford, on the other hand, showed precision in their fewer attempts, with their single goal being a testament to their clinical nature in front of the goal.

Possession Tactics and Pass Map Analysis

City’s pass map reveals their intricate passing network, particularly through the midfield. Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, and Mateo Kova?i? were central to their ball progression, linking up well with the forwards and ensuring fluid transitions into Brentford’s half. The involvement of full-backs Rico Lewis and Kyle Walker in wide areas provided City with the necessary width to stretch Brentford’s defensive lines.

Brentford’s pass map showcases a more compact and direct approach. Christian Nørgaard played a pivotal role in transitioning from defense to attack, while Mikkel Damsgaard and Bryan Mbeumo sought to exploit the spaces left by City’s high defensive line. Their passing network was less intricate but strategically aimed at exploiting City’s vulnerabilities on the break.

This game was a testament to City’s ability to grind out results even when not firing on all cylinders. Brentford, though out-possessed and out-shot, put up a valiant fight and demonstrated why they are a tricky side to face, especially on the counter. City’s tactical discipline and quality in possession ultimately saw them through, but Brentford’s resilience and efficiency in front of goal ensured the match was an entertaining spectacle.