Brentford's Ivan Toney celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford, at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov.12, 2022. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
The Associated Press
MANCHESTER, England (AP) - Ivan Toney issued the perfect response to being omitted from England's World Cup squad by scoring both goals in Brentford's shock 2-1 Premier League win at Manchester City on Saturday.
The striker was left out of Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad for Qatar, with Newcastle's Callum Wilson selected ahead of him.
But he showcased the quality his country will miss out on when putting the visitors ahead in the first half and then firing a 98th-minute winner.
The result means Arsenal is guaranteed to top the Premier League until the season resumes at Christmas - while Toney's performance is sure to spark a debate over whether Southgate was right to leave him behind.
'œThere was disappointment, but I know what I'm capable of,'ť Toney told BT Sport after the game at the Etihad Stadium. 'œIt won't put me down. I will keep going.'ť
Defeat for City gives Arsenal a prime opportunity to extend its lead at the top of the table to five points with a win at Wolves on Saturday evening.
Just a week after a late Erling Haaland penalty secured victory against Fulham, the reigning champion was on the receiving end of stoppage-time drama.
Toney put Brentford ahead after 16 minutes with a powerful close-range header after beating Aymeric Laporte in the air.
His winner saw him beat Ilkay Gundogan to turn home Josh Dasilva's cross from the right.
He might have had a hat trick moments later but Kevin de Bruyne cleared off the line.
Phil Foden had fired City level in first-half stoppage time with a half-volley into the top corner - but Brentford and Toney saw a host of chances repelled, with Ederson repeatedly called into action as the forward stretched the home team's defense.
On a day when Haaland cut a subdued figure, it was Toney who won the battle of the frontmen with the type of performance that may have Southgate thinking twice about his decision.
'œFantastic,'ť said Brentford manager Thomas Frank.. "I can't praise him enough. What I would say, most importantly, is how good a person he is. How emotionally intelligent he is about his teammates.
'œBut what a player. What a striker. He scored two and should probably have scored one more. Imagine a hat trick here. I thought that was just for Haaland.'ť
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup
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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
Brentford's Ivan Toney celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford, at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov.12, 2022. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
The Associated Press
Brentford's Ivan Toney heads the ball to score his side's first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford, at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov.12, 2022. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
The Associated Press
Manchester City's Erling Haaland, left,argues receives a yellow card by referee Peter Bankes during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford, at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov.12, 2022. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
The Associated Press
Manchester City's Phil Foden, second from right, celebrates with his teammates after scoring his side's first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford, at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov.12, 2022. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
The Associated Press
Manchester City's Phil Foden, unseen in the frame , scores his side's first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford, at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov.12, 2022. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
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Manchester City's Phil Foden, right, celebrates with his teammate Joao Cancelo after scoring his side's first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford, at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov.12, 2022. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
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Manchester City's Erling Haaland gestures during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford, at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov.12, 2022. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
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Brentford's head coach Thomas Frank celebrates after Ivan Toney scored his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford, at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov.12, 2022. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
The Associated Press
Brentford players celebrate at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford, at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov.12, 2022. Brentford won 2-1. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
The Associated Press
Brentford's Ivan Toney celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford, at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov.12, 2022. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
The Associated Press