Erling Haaland’s early strike handed Manchester City a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brentford and secured Pep Guardiola a landmark 250th Premier League victory.
City, who had not won away from home since the opening weekend, made the perfect start at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday. Haaland shrugged off Sepp van den Berg in the ninth minute before finishing with trademark precision to put the champions ahead.
Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher kept the hosts in contention with an impressive save to deny Tijjani Reijnders’ volley before the break, while Igor Thiago came close to equalising in the second half, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to smother his effort after defensive confusion from Josko Gvardiol.
City, who lost key midfielder Rodri to injury in the first half, were made to sweat late on when Kevin Schade blocked Donnarumma’s clearance, the ball deflecting narrowly wide. Still, Guardiola’s side held firm to claim all three points.
The result lifts City to fifth in the table, three points behind leaders Arsenal, as they head into the international break. Brentford, meanwhile, remain 16th.
Guardiola’s 250 wins have come in just 349 matches, faster than any manager in English top-flight history.
