Phil Foden scored a hat-trick as Manchester City came from behind to beat Brentford 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium, to climb up to second in the English Premier League.
The hosts took the lead against the run of play in the 21st minute, as Mark Flekken’s attempt to pick out Ivan Toney, saw the ball fall on the path of Neil Maupay, who raced clean through, coolly finishing past Ederson in what would be his fifth goal this calendar year.
Flekken had already made nine brilliant saves in the match before grabbing his assist, the most he ever conjured since joining the Bees.
He was, however, beaten in first-half stoppage time as a Pinnock clearance fell onto the path of Foden, who had the awareness to control and restore parity for the visitors.
The Cityzens would grab the lead eight minutes after the interval, as a pinpoint cross from Kevin De Bruyne found the head of the unmarked Foden, with Flekken’s hapless dive not enough to parry the ball to safety.
Foden then settled it in the 70th minute as brilliant inter-play from him, Rodri, and Haalland saw him end Brentford’s hopes of mounting a comeback.
The victory, coupled up with Arsenal’s win over Liverpool on Sunday, leaves Pep Guardiola’s side two points behind the Reds with a game in hand.
