Brentford have two players who can blow Man City away, they can exploit Pep Guardiola’s frailty
Brentford are vying to win two consecutive Premier League games after beating Manchester United last time out.
Manchester City ace Phil Foden boasts a strong goal scoring record against Brentford, which may concern Keith Andrews ahead of his side’s clash with Pep Guardiola’s men on Sunday, 5 October.
The Bees will be eager to earn another three points ahead of the international break, but beating the Etihad Stadium outfit may be easier said than done.
Man City beat Burnley 5-1 in their last Premier League outing, in a game that displayed their clinical tendencies.
Igor Thiago and Yehor Yarmoliuk can cause plenty of problems for Man City
Even though defeating Man City is a tough task, Brentford are buoyed by Igor Thiago’s clinical form.
The 24-year-old has notched four goals in six Premier League appearances this season, including his brace against Man United on Saturday, 27 September.
Guardiola’s side should also be wary of the fact that Thiago and fellow Brentford star Yehor Yarmoliuk are two of the three players to apply the most high-intensity pressures to opponents in the Premier League this season.
Therefore, the Bees duo have what it takes to exploit Man City‘s philosophy of playing out from the back, and can help Andrews’ side win possession in key areas.
For all their possession-hoarding, City can also take time to move the ball upfield, and at times a key strength can become a weakness. A frailty, even.
If Guardiola’s men give the ball away high up the pitch against Brentford, they will likely have to pay the price, as Thiago is vastly outperforming his expected goals (xG) of 2.05.
Meanwhile, Yarmoliuk showed his creative tendencies by producing an assist against Man United, and he has also displayed his tenacity by winning 23 duels in the Premier League this term.
Igor Thiago continues positive trend at Brentford
Brentford’s decision to replace former boss Thomas Frank with Andrews raised a lot of eyebrows, as the 45-year-old was promoted from his previous position of set-piece coach.
| Brentford | Last three Premier League results |
| Chelsea (H) | 2-2 D |
| Fulham (A) | 3-1 L |
| Man United (H) | 3-1 W |
The Bees also lost Christian Norgaard, Bryan Mbeumo, and Yoane Wissa in the summer transfer window, threatening their chances of staying in the Premier League.
Mbeumo and Wissa’s exits could have left the West London outfit with a significantly weaker attack, but Thiago has stepped up to the plate well, proving the he can produce in the Premier League.
Similarly, Brentford were left worried when Ivan Toney joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, having previously excelled in the Premier League.
Mbeumo successfully made up for Toney’s exit by notching 19 top-flight goals last season, and Thiago is now performing well after the Cameroon international joined Man United.