Haaland helps City beat Brentford 1-0 to stretch seven-game run

Erling Haaland scored early as Manchester City edged Brentford 1-0 on Sunday at the Gtech Community Stadium, a result that extended City’s unbeaten run in all competitions to seven and moved them to fifth in the Premier League. The Norwegian’s ninth-minute finish provided the only goal of the game but also underlined his continued scoring form as City navigated a match that was tighter than many had expected.

City took control in the opening period and produced the decisive moment when Josko Gvardiol lofted a pass down the left for Haaland. The striker powered between two defenders and drove a low shot past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to give his side the lead. City dominated possession in the first half but were hit by a setback when midfielder Rodri pulled up with a hamstring problem and was substituted in the first half. Manager Pep Guardiola described Rodri’s exit as a worry and said, “Hopefully, it will not be huge,” while praising his team’s overall first-half display as “close to our best in many things.”

After conceding early control, Brentford became more assertive after the interval and produced the match’s clearest chance when Igor Thiago broke through but saw his...