Haaland’s record-breaking comeback shocks Manchester City fans after early setback

Manchester City once again showed their sharpness in the Premier League. The team came from behind against Brentford for a fourth-round win on Saturday. As Erling Haaland once again shone bright, and on an important day for the keeper Ederson, the Citizens overcame an early goal and a poor start for more three points. Still unbeaten in the competition, Pep Guardiola's squad reached a perfect record with 12 points from four games.

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A rocky beginning: a reality check

From the opening minutes of the game, Brentford took the lead with a blistering strike from Yoane Wissa. He punished a defensive error by John Stones. Rarely does this happen, but City's defense was not prepared to handle this early pressure by Brentford. On the back of that early goal, the home team was found stumbling, and Brentford made hay while the sun shone, creating a number of opportunities to further their tally of goals.

In this case, it was Ederson who became the unsung hero. Those early saves of his in the game prevented Brentford from breaking further away with the score and giving Manchester City more sweat. Without his interventions, the script would have been fully different.

Haaland: the record-breaking forward that keeps shattering expectations

Erling Haaland had been Manchester City's star from the very start of this season, and against Brentford, he continued in that fashion. With two cool finishes, the Norwegian secured not only a great comeback for his team but also beat another personal record: nine goals in four Premier League matches are better than the previous best of eight goals in the first four rounds of the season, set by Wayne Rooney during the 2011/12 campaign.

Haaland's relationship with the goal is one that keeps defying expectations, and his positioning in the box is like a predator awaiting any chance to pounce, with his efficiency salient. As the 90 minutes wore on, it became more apparent that when City struggle, Haaland shines bright through his individual brilliance. He is that kind of player who creates an impact even when the entire team is not performing well.

Ederson: from wall to playmaker

If Haaland was the offensive engine, Ederson was the defensive pillar. The Brazilian goalkeeper made one of the most complete performances of his career, not only with crucial saves but also with his contribution to the attack. In the second goal of Haaland, Ederson showed why he is regarded as one of the most modern and complete goalkeepers in soccer today. His backheel, almost that of a playmaker's, had caught Brentford's defense off guard, presenting the finish to the Norwegian forward.

This is an evident case whereby Manchester City's players can be utilized for different functions on the pitch. Ederson does not just stop at being a goalkeeper. He is an important part of how City makes plays with his enviable vision on the pitch. Hardly would many other goalkeepers marry such defensive skills with creative playmaking abilities.

Second-half dominance: Flekken steals the spotlight

Having gained the lead before halftime, Manchester City entered the second 45 minutes intent on padding their lead and putting away the win. As it turned out, the star of the second half belonged to the visiting team in the person of the goalkeeper for Brentford: Mark Flekken. The keeper had an inspired performance with several important saves and frustrating City from turning the victory into a blowout.

Still, Brentford could not assert themselves offensively, and Manchester City bossed the game. There was noticeable tactical and technical superiority for Guardiola's side, but the brilliance of Flekken kept the score decent. Any time it felt like City could score, thanks to Flekken, in fact, the game was in some way competitive until the final whistle.

The impact of the win and City's commanding lead

With this victory, Manchester City remained unbeaten at the top of the Premier League with 12 points and proved that the momentum hasn't been lost after winning the title last season. This has been a record ninth time that City have won their first four games in the top-flight English campaign. This is further the second time the team does so in consecutive seasons, having had the first in 2015/16 and 2016/17.

This just sets the tone perfectly for this season, and is a sure shot that Manchester City are here for another season of dominance. The team slowly grows into rhythm, with players such as Haaland and Ederson bound to further develop their skills under the tutelage of Guardiola. City has shown some fantastic resilience, such as the tough start against Brentford, to turn events around on a string of individual and collective talent.