Pep Guardiola described “exceptional” Brentford as the Premier League’s “best team by far” at set pieces as the Bees became the only side this season to do the double over Manchester City.
City have the FA Cup and Champions League final to come in the next fortnight, and Guardiola’s inevitable raft of changes led to the newly crowned champions losing their final match of the season.
Ethan Pinnock scored the game’s only goal late on, capping off an outstanding season for Thomas Frank’s Brentford. Although that goal didn’t come from a set piece, Brentford caused Ederson and his defence all sorts of problems through direct plays throughout the match.
“Congratulations to Brentford for the victory”, Guardiola said. “It’s difficult to face them because of how quick they play, how aggressive, how fast, and set pieces, all departments.
“It’s the best team by far, but not just on set pieces. It’s an exceptional team. I have a lot of admiration for what Thomas Frank has done for many years. When you see, for example, what Bournemouth have done since [Gary] O’Neil took over — and Brentford — it’s exceptional.
“Hopefully next season we can do better and beat them like we did last season, so we have a target for next season already.”
Crucial players Ruben Dias, Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne stayed in Manchester for the trip to west London, but Guardiola did not suggest any of the trio are at risk of missing the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester United next weekend.
He said: “We have four or five players with injuries — not big injuries, but they are not fit for a few days. The guys who did not play here and normally play were exhausted yesterday; mentally they were completely drained.
“Ruben didn’t train for ten days. After the game at Brighton, Kevin felt the same thing he did a few games ago. It is not a big, big issue, but this is how it is.”
