Manchester City staff were left in awe of Brentford following 2-1 win, reveals Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has revealed that his Manchester City staff were left hugely impressed by the performance put on by Brentford on Saturday afternoon, despite the 2-1 victory.

The Premier League champions came from behind to continue their run of claiming all three points in top-flight fixtures into a fifth game week. Pep Guardiola’s side are now also the last team standing when it comes to not dropping points so far this campaign.

Brentford gave Manchester City their strongest test so far, with Thomas Frank’s side taking the lead after just 30 seconds, and threatening to extend that advantage on two further occasions within the opening 10 minutes of the contest.

City turned to their ever-reliable frontman to get them out of difficulties however, with Erling Haaland striking twice in quick succession to cement the three points for the home side, meaning they remain top of the division heading into next weekend’s clash with Arsenal.

Speaking during his post-match media address at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola admitted to the specific importance of a win against a team like Brentford, and the manner in which Manchester City went about securing their victory.

“Especially it’s so productive for us to win these type of games, winning of course is important but in that way. The players sometimes it can be a warning to them, ‘Oh be careful, be careful’, now they felt it. They felt it,” Guardiola said.

“From the first minute until the end, even the staff they said, ‘Oh my god how we suffered today’. And this is what it is. That’s why it’s so difficult to win the Premier Leagues because look at the results this weekend.

“It’s very tight, the opponents are really good, all the keepers are really good, they make a good build-up, look at (Mark) Flekken and he’s amazing with the ball, here and there, the men free, inside with (Bryan) Mbeumo and (Fabio) Carvalho at the end, with (Mikkel) Damsgaard, (Yoane) Wissa so fast.

“They are an exceptional team, that’s why I give a lot, a lot of credit to our victory today.”

Pep Guardiola also went on to tip Thomas Frank for an even bigger move in his managerial career, suggesting that it is “only a question of time” before the Dane is approached by one of Europe’s premier clubs.

Manchester City themselves are currently in the midst of managerial uncertainty despite being hugely content with the operation being managed by Pep Guardiola, with the Catalan tactician into the final year of his current Etihad Stadium contract.

City remain intent on extending their working relationship with Guardiola beyond the end of the current season, but are also allowing the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach to make a decision on his own future following nine years at the club.