“I told him at the end” – Manchester City star impressed by Brentford player, had a ‘great game’

On Monday, Manchester City came from behind to defeat Brentford 3-1 in the Premier League.

Manchester City star Rodri spoke to AS after the tie and he hailed Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken’s display at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Neal Maupay gave Brentford the lead in the 21st minute, which was then cancelled by Phil Foden, who finished the tie with a hat-trick to his name.

The 27-year-old midfielder was impressed by the Dutch stopper’s display and informed him the same after the tie.

“Their goalkeeper [Flekken] had a great game, I told him that at the end. He kept them alive, especially at the end of the first half, but that last-gasp goal from Phil was key,” he said.

The Spain international has insisted that Foden’s equaliser just before the break was vital for Manchester City.

“He’s given us that peace of mind that, I think, we were lacking, perhaps a little out of desperation, to try and for his goalkeeper to have good performance, knowing that they are not an easy team because of how they approach [the games]. In the end, I think it was a complete team game,” Rodri explained.

Manchester City’s latest victory over Brentford has helped them close the gap at the top. Pep Guardiola’s side are currently in the second spot, two points behind leaders Liverpool, with a game in hand.

The clash against Brentford also saw Manchester City star Erling Haaland make his first league start since recovering from an injury.

When asked if the treble winners are ‘unstoppable’ with a fully fit squad, Rodri said: “It’s clear that when we are there we are all stronger. Two players as differential as are Erling and Kevin [de Bruyne], it is evident…”

“I think we have shown all these months how the team works well. There are great players who have taken a step forward, for example Foden today. He’s in great shape, he has been showing it for many years and today he was immense.”