(Football news) In the midweek round of matches, the Citizens easily defeated Burnley 3-1, while Thomas Frank’s team lost 3-2 to their London rivals Tottenham Hotspur after failing to capitalize on an early lead. 

During Brentford’s all-capital match against Tottenham on Wednesday night, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium momentarily transformed into Alexandra Palace. Spurs midfielder Neal Maupay annoyed both players and fans by imitating James Maddison’s dart-throwing celebration following his goal in the 15th minute.

But Maupay and Brentford would wind up with a piece of humble pie in North London, as the Frenchman’s attempt was negated by Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, and Destiny Udogie, before the latter gave Ivan Toney a late consolation goal with 67 minutes remaining.

To Ange Postecoglou’s dismay, more attention was drawn to the hilarious rivalry between Maddison and Maupay on social media than the captivating action on the field after another thirty minutes, which was insufficient for Brentford to make the net bulge a third time.

After their thrilling 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on January 20, Thomas Frank and his red and white crop were dealt a harsh reality check with the loss to Spurs. The Bees are still dancing with the devil at the wrong end of the table, lingering in 15th place with a three-point deficit to the drop zone.

The Bees have only won one of their last nine games in all competitions due to a dismal run of winter form. Frank’s team hasn’t kept a clean sheet in any competition since defeating Chelsea at the end of October, though only Arsenal has managed to hold them scoreless in a Premier League home game this season. 

Even if Brentford hasn’t been living in a winter wonderland, Man City’s classic second-half of the season comeback is still going strong. When Burnley, led by Vincent Kompany, visited town in the middle of the week, the defending Premier League and European champions won eight straight games.

Also read: Manchester United defeat West Ham 3-0