Ivan Toney bounced again from lacking out on the England World Cup squad by scoring twice as Brentford shocked Manchester Metropolis to win 2-1 on the Etihad on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola warned earlier than the sport that his stars might have “one eye” on staying damage free earlier than the World Cup and the Metropolis boss’ fears had been realised because the champions slipped to a primary dwelling defeat since February.
Metropolis might now go into the World Cup 5 factors off the highest of the desk ought to Arsenal win at Wolves in a while Saturday.
Guardiola’s issues didn’t cease him naming a beginning line-up containing 10 gamers going to Qatar.
Erling Haaland was the one exception as Norway did not qualify and he returned to the beginning line-up for the primary time in six video games because of a foot damage.
However Haaland was for as soon as upstaged by his reverse quantity as Toney produced the proper riposte to being neglected by Gareth Southgate.
Toney ought to have opened the scoring when he fired too near Ederson with simply the goalkeeper to beat early on.
Metropolis didn’t heed the warning, although, as Ben Mee nodded on a free-kick and Toney obtained above Aymeric Laporte to go in his tenth objective of the season.
Going behind awoke the hosts from their slumber however frustration grew contained in the Etihad as a collection of VAR opinions for penalties had been waived away.
Rico Henry escaped the most important declare as his handball passed off simply outdoors the realm, whereas Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne had been adjudged to have gone to floor too simply.
Metropolis did lastly degree in first half stoppage time as Phil Foden linked completely on the half volley to drill a De Bruyne nook into the highest nook.
The begin to the second interval was disrupted by a seven-minute stoppage for Aymeric Laporte to obtain therapy on a head damage.
Laporte performed on with a number of bandages protecting a reduce and he got here to Metropolis’s rescue with a exceptional objective line clearance to disclaim Bryan Mbuemo a faucet in from Henry’s cross.
Metropolis struggled to search out their ordinary passing rhythm however did reduce Brentford open with one gorgeous staff transfer that Ilkay Gundogan ought to have completed after exchanging a one-two with Haaland.
Toney appeared like he might have missed his probability to win the sport when Ederson unfold himself brilliantly to slim the angle in a one-on-one and block at his close to submit.
However Metropolis had been caught out by a medical counter-attack from the guests as Yoane Wissa and Josh Dasilva mixed to tee up Toney to faucet dwelling.
Brentford’s captain ought to then have had a memorable hat-trick to savour solely to be denied by De Bruyne chasing again to clear off his personal line.
The Bees, although, had been to not be denied their first away win of the season to arrange an intriguing title race as soon as league motion will get again underway after the World Cup.
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