Forget Erling Haaland, Man City star who won 100% aerial duels was the MVP vs Brentford
Erling Haaland was not the only star performer for Man City as they earned a narrow 1-0 victory at Brentford.
Haaland’s ninth minute goal proved enough for Man City to beat Brentford and earn back-to-back wins in the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola’s side move up to fifth and three points below league leaders Arsenal, with the Citizens now on a four match unbeaten streak.
Rodri was forced off injured at Brentford, in the only blow for Guardiola before the international break.
Ruben Dias stars in Man City win
Man City were able to get their third clean sheet of the Premier League season at Brentford, and that was partly down to the dominant display of Ruben Dias in the back four.
Dias won all of his aerially duels as the 28-year-old stood up well to Brentford’s direct approach, limiting the Bees to just one shot on target.
| Minutes Played | 90 |
| Touches | 112 |
| Duels | 9 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 4 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Clearances | 6 |
97% of Dias’ passes were accurate as the Portugal international kept possession well and kept Man City ticking at the back.
Dias was ‘exceptional’ against Brentford
Dias has played 90 minutes in all but one Premier League match for Man City this season, as is his importance to the team.
“There were a couple of moments in the second half where Ruben Dias was exceptional, Mark Schwarzer said, as per BBC Sport [5 October].
Dias’ form is currently keeping John Stones and Nathan Ake out of the team and helping Guardiola cope without the presence of Rodri, who may need to be replaced in the transfer window amid his injury problems.
Any Man City success this season may therefore be determined by Dias’ fitness at the heart of the defence with Haaland’s form up-front guaranteeing goals.