There is a sense of optimism that now surrounds this Manchester City side | OneFootball

Manchester City picked up a 1-nil win over Brentford at the GTech Community Stadium yesterday. The win sees Pep Guardiola’s side move within three points of Premier League leaders Arsenal. As the season is still in its infancy, that fact isn’t that important just yet. Outside of that, yesterday’s win saw City stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions. During their current unbeaten run, the signs are there that this Manchester City team is building its way into the new season. There is now a sense of optimism that surrounds Pep Guardiola’s new-look side.

The spirit and determination are back in the Manchester City squad.

It has stood out over the past seven matches that the spirit and determination that defines Pep Guardiola’s side is back. This Manchester City team is willing to fight and scrap for the cause. Leaders such as Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Bernardo Silva are setting the standard in this regard. But it is clear that the entire City team is following their lead. It was Manchester City’s spirit and determination that helped them draw 1-all with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium at the end of September. This spirit and determination helped City pick up a precious win yesterday.

Manchester City dominated the first half of yesterday’s match against Brentford. They should have gone into the interval with a more commanding lead than 1-nil. As the second half unfolded, it was obvious that Brentford would throw everything at Pep Guardiola’s side. They did just that. Keith Andrews’ side only created one significant chance in the second half. Igor Thiago was played through after an error from Josko Gvardiol. Gianluigi Donnarumma made a strong save to preserve City’s lead just after halftime. From there, Brentford unleashed a barrage of long throws to try and unlock Manchester City’s defence. But as a team, City defended resolutely and kept the hosts out. The spirit and determination that Pep Guardiola’s side requires carried them through the second half yesterday. In a team full of potential match-winners, they showed their toughness to dig in yesterday.

Pep Guardiola is thrilled with how his team fought yesterday and has performed over the past seven matches.

Speaking after yesterday’s match, Pep Guardiola was thrilled with the win over Brentford. The City manager knew his team would suffer in the second half against Brentford. But Guardiola was pleased with how his team overcame the threat that Brentford possessed. Guardiola was also thrilled with what his team has shown over the past seven matches. He told the media after his team’s win yesterday: “Yeah, away game, you win 1-0, you suffer.”

“In the first half, we were at the best we have been for many, many months, but we couldn’t score more goals, which would have made the game a bit easier.”

“We knew at half-time they would push more because the Premier League and everything is like that.”

“They played more long balls and the wind, and it was much harder and the long throws – that guy, I don’t know how he is [able to do that] and the corners we suffer, but the game was well played and we defend well because they didn’t create much chances.”

“In the first half, we created almost clear chances – a bit like in midweek against Monaco.”

“I’m pleased for this month, and we are there, and we are getting better and better, game by game.”

It is also clear that Pep Guardiola’s side is finding its identity.

Outside of the spirit and determination that carried Manchester City through the second half of yesterday’s match, there were also clear signs in the first half that Pep Guardiola’s new-look side is finding its identity. They dominated the first half of yesterday’s match. Their performance resembled a Pep Guardiola side at their best. There was a crispness to City’s possession play, and through Oscar Bobb, Phil Foden, and Tijjani Reijnders, they consistently unlocked Brentford’s defence. They also pressed Keith Andrews’ side incessantly, which did catch the eye throughout the first half. Manchester City took a 1-nil lead into the interval after Erling Haaland’s ninth-minute goal. But they should have been out of sight at halftime, such was their dominance.

Summary.

There is now a sense of optimism that surrounds this Manchester City side. After a testing beginning to the 25/26 season, the past seven matches have shown what this City side could be capable of. There is still room for improvement, as the late goals that City conceded against Arsenal and AS Monaco show. But this City is growing together. With Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Abdukodir Khusanov and Rayan Cherki all set to return to the fold after the international break, the signs are now extremely positive for Manchester City.