Brentford beat Manchester City 2-1 on Saturday thanks to a brace from striker Ivan Toney. The 26-year-old centre-forward’s goals came 82 minutes apart. The visitors’ victory snapped a run of 16 consecutive home wins at the Etihad by City.
Toney was recently omitted from the England national team’s World Cup roster. Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate snubbed the striker in favor of Newcastle’s Callum Wilson.
Saturday’s brace now gives Toney 10 Premier League goals in 14 games so far this season. Wilson, for his part, has scored six league goals for the Magpies.
After the match in Manchester, Toney was asked about the disappointing news of being left out of the England squad. “I mean, obviously it’s a disappointment, but listen: I know what I’m capable of and I’m not going to let it get me down. Keep going and keep doing well for Brentford,” Toney told BT Sport.
The striker was also asked if he was motivated by the snub. “The motivation is the guys in the locker room and the fans as you can see,” Toney proclaimed. “I mean, when we work hard, this is what we can do.”
While Toney thrived on Saturday, City’s superstar striker Erling Haaland was in control throughout the game. It was only the third Premier League match this season in which the Norway international failed to score. Brentford’s defence, including goalkeeper David Raya, was also immense.
BT Sport asked Toney if he expected his team to play as well. “I mean, yes. What we are capable of and what we do week after week in training camp, we can do things like this”, said the striker. “And yes, they may be Man City, but they are human. Humans can lose games.”
City’s defeat means Arsenal will go into the World Cup break as leaders of the Premier League. The Gunners take on Wolves on Saturday as they look to extend their lead over City in the standings.
Photo Credit: IMAGO/Focus Images
