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Manchester City's manager achieved his 250th Premier League victory in record time, highlighting City's ongoing championship ambitions despite a team still developing. This autumn season iteration of Manchester City doesn't have some past talent, but with their star striker in lethal condition, they continue to be a contender to consider.

Quick Goal Sets the Pace

Just the ninth minute into the match, Haaland netted his ninth league strike of the campaign. After a assist from the defender, he muscled past Brentford's backline before blasting past goalkeeper Caoímhin Kelleher. At 25 and taking on a key role, Haaland is clearly excelling under added pressure.

City's Evolution and Challenges

Although City fans chanted for Kevin De Bruyne, it highlighted that Haaland currently leads a new era of players. Gone are several proven stars, substituted by young players with upside. This change was evident in a match where they dominated the opening period but became tentative after halftime, enabling Brentford to push back lacking the finishing to level.

The Home Side's Valiant Display

Brentford's manager saw his team fall short in the attempt to be the first since the mid-90s to defeat each Manchester clubs in successive fixtures. In spite of a spirited display, particularly in the final minutes, crucial moments escaped them. The manager observed anxiously from his technical area, as even Guardiola appeared agitated by the conclusion.

Tactical Battle and Notable Incidents

Brentford started an unchanged side from last week, apart from Kristoffer Ajer coming in for the omitted player. Unlike the game against Manchester United, City restricted space from the start, leaving Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade to subsist on limited chances. Brentford fans had little to shout about in the first half, except when Gianluigi Donnarumma dealt with the ball comfortably.

On City, the winger was surprisingly omitted, pointing to the manager's ongoing experimentation for the optimal combination. The midfielder began after recent play but exited prematurely with a muscle injury, rubbing his right haunch in frustration as Nico González came on.

Second-Hal​f Surge and Wasted Chances

After the interval, Brentford came out with renewed intensity. A defender sparked impetus with a run down the right-hand side. One golden chance was missed when a defender's pass set up Thiago for a one-on-one chance that Donnarumma denied.

City sought to regain their flow, employing precise passing to stretch the opposition backline. Andrews frustration was echoed by Jordan Henderson encouragement, and Brentford started to gain headway. Schade's break and Kayode's header going wide hinted that the leaders' failure to extend their advantage might cost them.

Nervy Finish

The fact that the striker was now helping in defending set-pieces gave Brentford encouragement. This visiting team doesn't have the ruthlessness of previous seasons, but their quality remains elite. After Henderson departed to boos, Doku and an experienced head came on to steady proceedings.

Late moments, the Bees pressed ahead, earning a set-piece after Schade chased Donnarumma, but City cleared the threat. Subsequently, a further chance came when Aaron Hickey blasted over from close range. In stoppage time, Haaland and the manager could be seen directing their team together, sealing a precious three points that highlighted their shared role in the tests to come.