Foden concedes Man City did not cope with Brentford's 'physicality'

Phil Foden conceded Manchester City did not "cope with the physicality" of Brentford, as they surrendered a two-goal lead at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Pep Guardiola's side were well on course for a fourth successive victory in all competitions, with Foden's brace putting them 2-0 up after 78 minutes.

However, Brentford launched a late revival as Yoane Wissa pulled a goal back on 82 minutes before Christian Norgaard headed home an equaliser in the second minute of stoppage time.

City have now dropped 14 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, their most in a single campaign under Guardiola.

"We just looked tired at the end, the last 20, 30 minutes," Foden told TNT Sports. "We looked leggy, and they put the pressure on and put longer balls into the box.

"We didn't cope with the physicality at the end. It's one of the toughest places to come, and they give you different challenges.

"I was happy with the performance up until we went 1-0 up and then, after that, we let our performance slip and gave the ball away. It's something to learn from."

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— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 14, 2025

Nevertheless, the England midfielder, who has now scored seven goals in as many appearances against Brentford, believes the Citizens are turning a corner following a disappointing recent spell of form that brought just one win from 13 matches.

"It's definitely picked up from previously and performances are a lot better than they were," he added.

"We've still got steps to go to where we want to be, but as long as we keep making them small steps and improving, that's what we're aiming to do."

Meanwhile, Brentford came from two goals down to avoid defeat in a Premier League game for a second time this season (also a 4-3 win vs Ipswich Town in October). Indeed, the Bees have scored seven Premier League goals from the 90th minute onwards this season, the most in the division.

Thomas Frank was full of praise for his players after they pushed the reigning Premier League champions all the way.

"I just said to the players in there that I was extremely happy and proud of the performance," he said.

"I think this is the first time in four years that, over the 90 minutes, we went toe-to-toe with a top-three club. I think Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have been the three best clubs in the four years we have been in the Premier League.

"The ability and the mindset to do that, the bravery throughout the game, [I'm] extremely proud of that and, of course, coming back from 2-0 down is a fantastic mentality."