I actually left the Etihad feeling more disappointed than I expected on Saturday.
Games such as Manchester City away for Brentford are often described as a “free hit”, with any points picked up seen as a bonus for the season.
As usual, I went to the game expecting to lose but definitely not to get stuffed as some teams are there.
The sensational start surprised all of us and was brilliant to see – as were all the first 25 minutes when we totally dominated.
In the end, Erling Haaland was the difference between the sides, but the fact we were always in the game at 2-1 and had two late chances to equalise was what made me feel that we could so easily have grabbed a point.
While the long-term impact of the defeat is negligible, one incident which will have a more far-reaching effect on our season is the injury to Yoane Wissa.
The in-form striker was the victim of a cruel challenge by Mateo Kovacic, for which the City player was rightly booked, and then subbed at half-time and replaced by Rodri – not much of a punishment!
Thomas Frank says Wissa will be out for “a couple of months”, which is a massive blow to us, especially given that he has scored three of our six Premier League goals so far this season and that his partnership with Bryan Mbeumo is getting stronger by the game.
With Igor Thiago still sidelined, Kevin Schade or maybe Fabio Carvalho will be the men charged with the responsibility of filling the gap.
Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast
