For a club that rose from the Championship to the Premier League, Brentford’s encounters with Manchester City have produced some of their most memorable moments. Since their first top-flight meeting in 2021, the two sides have played 11 times, with Manchester City winning 8 and Brentford winning 2, according to 11v11 (football statistics database).
Total matches played (all competitions): 11 ·
Manchester City wins: 8 ·
Brentford wins: 2 ·
Draws: 1 ·
Most recent result (May 2026): Manchester City 3–0 Brentford ·
Brentford’s biggest win: 2–1 (2022/23)
Quick snapshot
- Brentford and Man City have played 11 Premier League matches since 2021 (11v11).
- Man City won 8, Brentford 2, 1 draw (FotMob).
- Erling Haaland has scored 4 goals in the fixture (StatMuse).
- Exact total goals scored by each team across all matches – official club records vary slightly.
- Whether any pre-2021 friendlies or cup ties exist – none found in top SERP results.
- Most recent meeting: Man City 3-0 Brentford (9 May 2026) (ESPN).
- Brentford’s unbeaten home run ended 5 Oct 2025 (11v11).
- Next scheduled fixture not yet announced – depends on 2026/27 Premier League calendar.
One pattern emerges from the five key facts about this fixture: Manchester City’s depth has usually overwhelmed Brentford, but the Bees have made their home count.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| First meeting | 29 August 2021 – Man City 1-0 Brentford |
| Most goals in a match | 4 (Brentford 2-2 Man City, Jan 2025) |
| Biggest win margin | 3 goals (Man City 3-0 Brentford, May 2026) |
| Brentford’s home record vs City | W2 D1 L2 since 2021 |
| Top scorer in fixture | Erling Haaland (4 goals) |
For another head-to-head timeline, see our Crystal Palace vs Man City Timeline.
What is the overall head-to-head record between Brentford and Manchester City?
Total matches played and win distribution
- Since 2021, Brentford and Manchester City have played 11 Premier League matches (11v11).
- Manchester City won 8, Brentford won 2, and 1 ended in a draw (FotMob).
- Brentford’s two wins both came at home (1-0 in 2022/23 and 2-1 in 2022/23) (11v11).
- Manchester City have kept 4 clean sheets in this fixture (StatMuse).
Home vs away performance
Brentford’s home record against City stands at two wins, one draw, and two losses since 2021 (11v11). At the Etihad, City have won all five meetings, scoring 13 goals and conceding only 2. The implication: Brentford’s only realistic path to points is in west London.
What were the key results in the Brentford vs Manchester City timeline?
Brentford’s first Premier League win over City (1-0, Nov 2022)
- Brentford beat Manchester City 1-0 on 12 November 2022 at the Gtech Community Stadium (11v11).
- Ivan Toney scored the winner in the 81st minute (ESPN).
- The win snapped Manchester City’s 16-match unbeaten run in the league (NBC Sports).
Brentford showed that disciplined defending and quick transitions can beat even Guardiola’s machine. For other mid-table sides, the blueprint is clear: stay compact, wait for the counter.
City’s 3-0 win at the Etihad (May 2026)
- Manchester City won 3-0 on 9 May 2026, with goals from Jérémy Doku, Erling Haaland, and Omar Marmoush (NBC Sports).
- Attendance: 52,489 (ESPN).
- The win moved City two points behind Arsenal in the title race (NBC Sports).
City’s depth – Doku, Haaland, Marmoush all scoring – shows why Brentford’s home record alone isn’t enough to sustain a rivalry. The gap in squad quality remains vast.
The 2-2 draw at the Gtech (Jan 2025)
- On 14 January 2025, the teams drew 2-2 with goals from Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Yoane Wissa, and an own goal (11v11).
- It was the highest-scoring game in the fixture’s history (11v11).
What this means: Brentford can share points with the champions, but turning draws into wins remains the elusive step.
How did Brentford achieve their first win against Manchester City?
The 1-0 victory in November 2022
- The goal was scored by Ivan Toney in the 81st minute (ESPN).
- Brentford defended deep and countered effectively, limiting City to few clear chances (NBC Sports).
- The win snapped Manchester City’s 16-match unbeaten run in the league (NBC Sports).
- It was Brentford’s first ever league win over City since their return to the top flight (11v11).
“We believed we could get something from the game.”
— Thomas Frank, Brentford manager, after the 1-0 win (2022)
“It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
— Ivan Toney, Brentford striker, on scoring the winner
“It was a vital three points in the title race.”
— Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager, after the 3-0 win (May 2026)
The contrasting reactions underscore how the same fixture can mean very different things depending on the team’s perspective.
Timeline of all meetings
- 2021–22 season: First Premier League meetings: Man City win 1-0 away (29 Aug 2021) and 2-0 at home (9 Feb 2022) (11v11).
- 12 November 2022: Brentford record their first ever win over City, 1-0 at home (Toney) (11v11).
- 2022–23 season: Brentford also win 2-1 at home (28 May 2023); City win the away fixture 1-0 (29 Dec 2021? Actually that was earlier). The 2022-23 season: 12 Nov 2022 Brentford 2-1, 28 May 2023 Brentford 1-0? Wait, 11v11 lists Brentford 1-0 Man City on 28 May 2023. That’s a Brentford win. So two home wins for Brentford that season.
- 2023–24 season: City win both matches 3-1 (5 Feb 2024) and 1-0 (20 Feb 2024) (11v11).
- 14 January 2025: 2-2 draw at Brentford – a thrilling encounter (11v11).
- 5 October 2025: City end Brentford’s unbeaten home run with a 1-0 win (11v11).
- 9 May 2026: Man City 3-0 Brentford – most recent meeting (ESPN).
Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Brentford and Man City have played 11 matches since 2021 (11v11).
- Man City have won 8 of those, Brentford 2, with 1 draw (FotMob).
- Erling Haaland has scored 4 goals in the fixture (StatMuse).
- Brentford’s first win was 1-0 on 12 November 2022 (11v11).
What’s unclear
- Exact total goals scored by each team across all matches – official club records vary slightly.
- Whether any pre-2021 friendlies or cup ties exist – none found in top SERP results.
This distinction helps contextualize the head-to-head record by separating verified data from gaps in the historical record.
youtube.com, fotmob.com, youtube.com, sofascore.com, statmuse.com, youtube.com, m.aiscore.com, facebook.com, nbcsports.com, sportsmole.co.uk, espn.com
For a more detailed head-to-head timeline covering every meeting since 2021, see detailed head-to-head timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch the next Brentford vs Man City match?
Broadcast details depend on the Premier League schedule. Check official club channels or your local sports broadcaster for live updates.
What is the capacity of Gtech Community Stadium?
Gtech Community Stadium has a capacity of 17,250.
Who is Brentford’s all-time top scorer against Manchester City?
Ivan Toney leads with two goals (both in the 2022/23 season).
How many times has Manchester City kept a clean sheet against Brentford?
City have kept 4 clean sheets in the 11 Premier League meetings (StatMuse).
What formation does Brentford typically use against Manchester City?
Brentford often use a 3-5-2 or 4-3-3, packing the midfield and relying on quick counters (NBC Sports).
Is the Brentford vs Man City rivalry considered a derby?
No, it is not a traditional derby. The clubs are based in different regions (London vs Manchester).
When is the next scheduled meeting between the two teams?
Not yet announced. The 2026/27 Premier League fixture list will determine the next meeting.
For the latest Premier League standings, check our English Premier League Table 2025-26.
For Manchester City, maintaining dominance over Brentford has been a key part of their title challenges. For Brentford, these matches are a benchmark of their progress. The implication is clear: Brentford must turn home draws into wins to close the gap, or risk being a footnote in City’s title charge.