"Foden's Hat-Trick Secures Comeback Victory: Player Ratings in Brentford 1-3 Man City"

Manchester City earned a 3-1 victory over Brentford at the GTECH Community Stadium yesterday, moving within two points of current Premier League leaders, Liverpool.

Phil Foden, with his stunning hat-trick, enabled the reigning champions to triumph in west London after a challenging early period due to Brentford's aggressive play.

The victory sees City recover to second place based on goal difference, whereas Brentford's situation worsens as they currently sit just three points above the relegation zone.

Despite Brentford's initial high-energy performance, City came close to scoring first when Julian Alvarez's 20-yard strike was deflected by a brilliant save from Mark Flekken.

The Dutch keeper contained City's attack yet again when he deterred Kyle Walker's long-distance effort that came as a result of a cleared corner.

Brentford took the lead halfway through the first period. Ivan Toney turned Flekken's long goal kick towards Neal Maupay, who skillfully beat Ederson, slotting the ball into the far corner of the net.

City responded swiftly by stealing possession from a careless back-pass by Vitaly Janelt, but Erling Haaland's attempt was skilfully saved by Flekken.

Sergio Reguilon's deep cross threatened the City goal, forcing Ederson to intervene to avoid a second Brentford goal.

Flekken had a slip of concentration when he almost let a Foden shot slip past him, although he was saved when the ball rolled past the post instead.

As half-time approached, City managed to equalise- A bad clearance by Ethan Pinnock landed at Foden's feet, who made no mistake in powering it past Flekken.

Shortly after the restart, Foden scored again- De Bruyne's cross found Foden unmarked, who delicately guided the ball past the far post.

Brentford rallied again, coming close to equalising when a Reguilon cross found its way back to Christian Norgaard, whose shot was crucially intercepted by Ruben Dias.

Gvardiol made a vital block to deny Maupay another goal following a clever corner play, pressurising City.

The game was sealed for City when Foden completed his hat-trick after a lengthy maintained possession culminated in a Rodri pass to Haaland and eventually to Foden, who calmly completed the task at hand.

Mark Flekken was, overall, impressive for Brentford despite the loss, being their savior multiple times.

Manchester City keeper Ederson made a few questionable choices in coming out of his box, but the City victory still stands.