Manchester City’s 59th game in a marathon campaign ended in a rare defeat. But unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know it’s the 60th and 61st that will really define their season.
Pep Guardiola knows what awaits us: history – or at least a crack in it.
Here, on the final day of the Premier League season, Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock drilled home a late winner to hand City only their seventh defeat in all competitions this season – and their first in 26 games.
Of course, the loss is of little consequence – City’s fourth title in five seasons was wrapped up last weekend.
You could also say it. The less said about City’s intensity here at Gtech Community Stadium, the better.
Ethan Pinnock scored a late winner for Brentford as they completed the double over Premier League champions Man City
The strike in the 85th minute gave champions Man City their seventh defeat of the season and their first in 26 games
That said, they’ll be happy with 90 minutes that passed largely without incident and – more pertinently – with a clean bill of health.
The next 180 minutes won’t be as relaxed. The nerves will ring. The juices will flow.
Immortality beckons – starting with an FA Cup final against Manchester United on Saturday.
If they can triumph under Wembley’s arch, the temperature will rise almost unbearably.
Just ask United’s 1998/99 squad. The triple. Can they? We’re about to find out.
Following this defeat, Guardiola revealed that several of his players – including Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Ruben Diaz – are suffering from issues ahead of their next training session on Wednesday.
One would imagine that all three of them will be fine, at least physically, to play with destiny in City’s two dates.
Still, you wonder how much the mental strain of an emotional season will weigh over the next two weeks.
Brentford missed out on European football despite the win after Aston Villa and Tottenham both won
“We would have acted a little differently if we needed the points to win the title today – we needed to recharge the batteries for the two finals,” said Guardiola.
With regard to Brentford, we have learned very little. They are a brilliant football team – a shining example of how to wring out every last drop of potential.
This victory simply underlined their excellence. They ended the season as they have performed for most of the season, playing forefoot, breathless football.
What a team Thomas Frank has put together – this victory represents an unlikely double for City this season.
“Of course it (the double over City) means something, the fans love the story. It’s special,” said Frank.
“To finish 9th with 59 points… an incredible culture that we must protect.
“We are a selling club – but it will have to be crazy high (bids). And I’m sure everyone – including me – is happy.’
That may be true, but keeping this team together may be easier said than done.
Ben Mee could have put the hosts ahead before the break, but missed two good chances against the champions
City youngster Cole Palmer missed three opportunities in stoppage time to level the game for the visitors after Brentford’s winner
Uncertainty surrounds a host of figures – none more so than their bubbly head coach.
With a number of Premier League jobs due to become available next season, Frank will be of interest.
Of the clubs that have admired the Dane from a distance, managerless is Tottenham. They are certainly not the only ones.
So far, Daniel Levy has turned the attention elsewhere, but the Spurs chairman could do worse than trying to determine whether it’s possible to appoint Frank at all.
He’s not the only one who draws admiring glances. The future of their technical director Lee Dykes is unclear, as is that of goalkeeper David Raya.
All this before we mention the fact that Brentford Ivan Toney will be without Ivan Toney until January due to his suspension for breaching the betting rules.
That’s the price of success for Brentford-sized clubs.
Of course there will be no worries for City heading into next season. They will dominate no matter how the next two weeks go.
Understandably, Guardiola rested his crown jewels – including newly crowned Footballer of the Year Erling Haaland – against Brentford, given what lies ahead.
Still, they started well; Cole Palmer forced Raya’s first save of the afternoon in the fourth minute.
Erling Haaland and John Stones were both rested before the game ahead of City’s two remaining matches: the FA Cup and the Champions League final
However, Haaland won his Golden Boot after the match, having scored a record 36 goals in his debut season
Brentford missed out on the final European place despite their win – they finished ninth behind Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur
But with the chance of qualifying for Europe still mathematically possible ahead of this match, it wasn’t long before Brentford upped their game.
Yoane Wissa hit a post, though the attempt would have been disallowed for offside, before Ben Mee wasted two chances in quick succession just before half-time.
Unbalanced with a 45-minute pedestrian opening, the second half started chaotically.
Brentford were furious that they were not awarded a penalty in the 54th minute after the ball appeared to hit Sergio Gomez on the hand.
Referee John Brooks didn’t budge. Frank, on the other hand, wasn’t so calm, Brentford’s boss eventually booked for his furious protests.
City rookie Shea Charles, 19, was introduced in the 63rd minute for his senior debut as Guardiola, if he wasn’t already, shifted his focus to the future.
For most of the second period, Brentford had the upper hand – but without Toney, they missed a powerful goal threat.
That was until the 85th minute when Brentford struck the winner after substitute Kevin Schade and Bryan Mbuemo set up Pinnock together who duly converted.
Palmer missed three golden opportunities in stoppage time to equalize for City. But nobody really cared that much.
However, they will care next Saturday. And the Saturday after that.