Sat Sep 14 22:57:04 UTC 2024: ## Haaland Hat-Trick Denied as City Wins Against Brentford
**Manchester, England:** Manchester City maintained its perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Saturday, thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian striker now has an astonishing nine goals in just four games, making him the league’s top scorer and surpassing the goal tally of any other team in the English top flight.
However, Haaland narrowly missed out on a historic hat-trick, with Brentford’s goalkeeper Mark Flekken producing a string of impressive saves to deny the prolific striker.
The match began with a shock when Brentford took the lead just 22 seconds into the game. A mix-up between Manchester City’s John Stones and Ederson allowed Yoane Wissa to tap in an empty net.
Haaland, however, quickly equalized in the 20th minute with a composed finish. He then put City ahead in the 53rd minute, showing his strength and composure to chip the ball past Flekken.
“The second goal showed what he is all about,” said City midfielder Jack Grealish. “He used his body well and finished brilliantly. It’s a pleasure to play with him, and hopefully, he can continue.”
Despite dominating possession in the second half, City was kept at bay by Flekken, who produced crucial saves to deny Grealish and Haaland.
The victory sees City move to 12 points, three ahead of second-placed Liverpool, while Brentford remains on six points after four games.
First Piper 