By Victor Kanayo
English Premier League (EPL) champions – Manchester City lost three point to Brentford in their last game before the 2022 World Cup kicks off in Qatar on November 20.
The match ended 1-2 in favour of the visitors at the Etihad stadium.
It was Nigeria’s Frank Onyeka who showed class for the Bees throughout his stay on the pitch to frustrate Manchester City before he was substituted in the 87th minute.
The Nigerian had 36 touches on the ball, completed 16 passes, two tackles, two blocks. He registered one shot and won one aerial duel, but, also lost the ball three times.
Onyeka, 24, has eventually found his form, which earned him the trust of his coach Thomas Frank who has given the midfielder 12 league appearances this term.
His teammate, Ivan Toney, missed out on a place in the plane flying England’s squad to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup later this month, but he showed Three Lions boss, Gareth Southgate, what he will be missing.
The English man scored in minute 16 and his second came in the 7th minute of stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win – Phil Foden levelled before the first half break.
Behind Toney in a 3-5-2 formation, Brentford gaffer set up a compact five-man midfield wall which included Nigeria’s Onyeka.
Victory for Brentford moved them to 11th on the table, while Manchester City could trail Arsenal on top of the table with more than two points if the North London club that play Wolves later on Saturday win.
In Italia Seria A, Napoli won again 3-2 in their match against Udinese.
The encounter saw Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen in line to face Portugal in a prestigious international friendly on November 20 open scoring for Napoli.
