Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
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Manchester City player ratings vs Brentford: Jeremy Doku wonderful, Tijjani Reijnders frustrates

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Manchester City put their Everton frustrations behind them with a 3-0 win over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola's side failed to break the deadlock in the first half, and just as the first round of substitutions were made, Jeremy Doku took it upon himself to fire home the opening goal of the game.

Erling Haaland finally made his persistence pay in the 75th minute, scoring his seventh goal in seven games, narrowing the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League to just two points on 9 May.

Omar Marmoush also scored to secure the three points, which could be important against the Gunners' clash with West Ham United, but it was far from a perfect performance against the Bees.

Jeremy Doku rescues Man City once again

Doku now has four goals and two assists in his last four appearances, giving the Citizens every chance of lifting another trophy before the 2025-26 campaign comes to an end.

A lot has been made about the Belgian international's inconsistency in front of goal, but he continues to prove his doubters wrong, with yet another stunner in an extremely important moment.

Tijjani Reijnders wastes his chance to impress

It's been a difficult first season in England for Tijjani Reijnders, it's fair to say. It doesn't feel as though Guardiola really trusts him yet, and this performance won't help him in the slightest.

Tijjani Reijnders vs BrentfordStats [FotMob]
Minutes played60
Touches34
Chances created0
Shot accuracy0% (0/4)
Recoveries4
Clearances1
Fouls won0

Hooked on the hour mark, the Dutch international left the field after wasting several chances, while creating very little, not being very adventurous, and frustrating the home supporters.

There is still time for the 27-year-old to settle in and adapt to the Premier League, but next season will need to be much better if he is to see out his contract at the Etihad.

Man City player ratings in 3-0 win vs Brentford

  • Gianluigi Donnarumma - 8
  • Matheus Nunes - 6
  • Marc Guehi - 7
  • Nathan Ake - 7
  • Nico O'Reilly - 6
  • Bernardo Silva - 5
  • Tijjani Reijnders - 3
  • Antoine Semenyo - 6
  • Rayan Cherki - 5
  • Jeremy Doku - 9
  • Erling Haaland - 6

Substitutes

  • Phil Foden (On for Reijnders 60') - 8
  • Omar Marmoush (On for Cherki 60') - 7
  • Savinho (On for Doku 90') - N/A
Manchester City
Brentford
Jeremy Doku
Tijjani Reijnders
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