Phil Foden scored a hat-trick as Manchester City came from behind to beat Brentford 3-1, moving within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool. The England forward struck twice in the second half after the visitors had fallen behind to Neal Maupay's goal.
Brentford took a shock lead midway through the first half when Maupay capitalised on a long ball from goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who had earlier made a string of fine saves. Flekken denied Julian Alvarez twice and Kyle Walker inside the opening 15 minutes, while Ethan Pinnock blocked Erling Haaland early on.
Foden equalised deep into first-half stoppage time after Ethan Pinnock's headed clearance fell to Kevin De Bruyne, whose cross was turned in by Foden. He then put City ahead on 53 minutes with a header from De Bruyne's cross, before completing his treble with a clinical finish from Haaland's lay-off.
City have now won all seven matches since returning from the Club World Cup. Manager Pep Guardiola said afterwards that he can sense his players' desire to keep winning. Brentford, meanwhile, have lost seven of their last eight league games despite spirited performances.
Christian Norgaard and Ivan Toney both had chances to equalise, but City held firm. Maupay, who scored his fifth goal in five games, was booked for a late challenge on Rodri and clashed with Guardiola late on.
