Manchester City 2-0 Brentford: Player ratings & man of the match as Mahrez & De Bruyne score

Manchester City moved 12 points clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win against Brentford at the Etihad on Wednesday night.

It was a tight opening to the game that yielded just one shot in the first 24 minutes. But City found their groove soon after, and Riyad Mahrez netted from the spot on 40 minutes following Mads Roerslev’s foul on Raheem Sterling in the box.

After the break, the Bees’ defensive resilience was less evident as City continued to dominate possession. Pep Guardiola’s men doubled their advantage on 69 minutes when Kevin De Bruyne placed the ball into an almost open net from an acute angle, following David Raya’s misplaced pass out from the back.

Manchester City player ratings

Ederson- 6

Saved from a Frank Onyeka header and a Rico Henry shot in the first half, while he kept out another Onyeka effort after the break. But, in general, it was a quiet night for the goalkeeper.

John Stones- 7

Playing at right-back, the defender often tucked inside and almost formed a defensive three, with Joao Cancelo advancing on the other side. Stones looked comfortable in the role and was rarely forced into awkward positions or challenges.

Ruben Dias- 7

Looked comfortable all night and was always an option for team-mates in possession. He also reacted quickly late on to prevent a Brentford attack after Aymeric Laporte’s sloppy pass.

Ayemeric Laporte- 6

The centre-back went close with a right-footed effort on 35 minutes, but had a largely quiet game at the Etihad with Brentford offering little in attack.

Joao Cancelo- 8

Was an attacking threat throughout the game, especially in the second half. Cancelo produced five shots after the break, the best of which came after a twisting dribble inside the box. Perhaps the most consistent player over the 90 minutes, the full-back was our Man of the Match.

Rodri- 7

As usual, he helped to nip any opposition attacks in the bud and was a physical presence up against the three-man midfield of Brentford. The 25-year-old also saw a strike from outside the box flash just wide midway through the second half.

Kevin De Bruyne- 8

His goal on 69 minutes ruled out any real hopes of a late comeback, although De Bruyne’s range of passing wasn’t as incisive as it tends to be. He still had a solid game and rarely misplaced a pass or made a mistake. The Belgian also covered a lot of ground throughout the night.

Bernardo Silva- 7

Another whose standards dipped a little tonight, the midfielder helped City retain possession well in the second half. He had a shot from distance saved by Raya on 57 minutes, but that was the closest he came all to scoring all night.

Riyad Mahrez- 8 (off 66)

Fired City into the lead not long before half-time and was taken off in the second period, presumably to protect him after a busy period for club and country. It was an impressive display from Mahrez who cut inside on his left foot and caused Brentford problems on several occasions, including in the 29th minute when his cross forced Raya to scramble across his goal and palm the ball away.

Phil Foden- 5 (off 71)

It was a quiet night for the No.47, who largely played as a central striker. Foden produced the first shot of the night when he headed over the bar early on, but the England international failed to have the sort of impact we’re used to.

Raheem Sterling- 7

His brilliant dribbling caused Roerslev issues all night and the young wing-back brought Sterling down for the first-half penalty. The winger intercepted the ball for De Bruyne’s goal, although his initial shot was saved by Raya. Overall, the No.7’s influence waned as the game continued.

Jack Grealish- 6 (on 66)

Saw lots of the ball after his introduction and the former Aston Villa man helped to link the play when dropping deep. He also had a few dangerous dribbles but failed to create any chances of note.

Ilkay Gundogan- 6 (on 71)

Didn’t have much time to make an impact on the game, but it was noticeable how City kept possession more efficiently after he came on.

Brentford player ratings

Raya 5; Roerslev 5, Ajer 6, Jansson 6, Pinnock 5, Henry 6; Jensen 6, Norgaard 5, Onyeka 5 (Wissa 70;5); Canos 4 (Dasilva 61;5), Ghoddos 5 (Mbuemo 61;5).