Man City player ratings vs Brentford: Two stars score 4/10 as Pep Guardiola gamble fails

threw away a two-goal lead away to Brentford as Pep Guardiola’s woes continue.

A second-half brace from Phil Foden had put the champions into a seemingly unassailable lead.

It didn’t prove enough though, with Brentford netting two late goals to rescue a point.

While it wasn’t a defeat, it’s another example of City’s shakiness this season, as the four-in-a-row champions face an uphill battle to finish inside the top four.

Express Sport hand out player ratings from ‘s 2-2 draw with Brentford…

Ortega – 6

Couldn’t have done much about the goals but looked less than convincing while playing the sweeper-keeper role.

Nunes – 4

Thrown in at right-back once again and struggled with Brentford’s direct wing play. Ought to have broke the deadlock in the first-half as well when he broke through in behind the Bees’ backline.

Akanji – 4

Was carried by his centre-back partner Nathan Ake. Sleepy for the opening Brentford goal and at sea for the equaliser. Will welcome the new arrivals in defence as it should allow him to have a rest.

Ake – 9

Could’ve easily ended up as a defeat had it not been for his awareness at the back. Popped up with two stunning off-the-line clearances, one with the score at 1-0 and another with the teams tied at 2-2.

Gvardiol – 6

Personifies City’s season in a nutshell. Cool, classy and composed at times. Shaky, uncertain and a liability at others.

Kovacic – 5

It’s not his fault but looks completely out of his depth playing the holding midfield role on his own in a Guardiola side. Struggled with Brentford’s transitions and was hooked 15 minutes from time.

De Bruyne – 8

The main heartbeat of all things positive for City. Created the most chances during a goalless first half and was rewarded with a stylish assist for Foden’s opener in the second.

Bernardo – 6

Characteristically busy with his energy, but can tell he’s another one of City’s players struggling with the arduous demands of playing twice a week.

Foden – 8

Played with a swagger that has been missing for most of the current campaign. Took his first goal in style and showed his clinical side by being alive in the box for City’s second. Would’ve felt let down by his team-mates that his contributions didn’t lead to three points.

Savinho – 8

It’s taken a while, but he’s starting to come into his own in a City shirt. Stretched the home side’s defence throughout the night and was a constant goal threat.

Haaland – 6

By no means his best match for the Blues, but he gave as good as he got throughout. Showed great strength with his hold-up play for the opening goal and would’ve wanted more service from his team-mates, who failed to pick him out.

Subs:

Gundogan – 6

Brought on to see the game out but continues to lack the physicality City are after in Rodri’s absence.

McAtee – 6

Had the chance to make it 3-1 moments before Brentford scored the equaliser. Will be pleased his minutes are starting to pick up.