Four wins across their last five PL games meant that Brentford were presented with an outside chance at Europe if they could couple a win here with fortunate results elsewhere, and they set about doing so against a rotated Manchester City side who had already guaranteed lifting the title.
Undeterred by Cole Palmer’s early attempt, Yoane Wissa broke away and struck the post, although it would likely have been disallowed anyway, and the home side continued to grow nicely into the game.
City no doubt had half a mind on next week’s FA Cup final against Manchester United, but they still looked largely unfazed by the home side’s play.
Brentford did have a chance through Ben Mee, as the defender latched onto a Zanka long throw to swivel and shoot, but Ederson was equal to it at the near post.
Riyad Mahrez was lively at the other end, while Julián Álvarez sent a header just wide, but there was to be no breakthrough for either side in the opening 45 minutes.
News of HT leads for both Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur had filtered around the stands at the Brentford Community Stadium, but those on the pitch were determined to uphold their side of the bargain.
In fact, the Bees were in full control heading into the second half, and Rico Henry was the next player to test Ederson among the chaos in the City box.
The home side continued to trouble, and they produced a number of chances, culminating in a dramatic winner with less than five minutes to go.
Bryan Mbeumo headed it down for Pinnock in the area, who drove his shot into the bottom corner, sending the home crowd wild.
A couple of big chances were missed by Palmer before the final whistle, but Brentford saw out what was a surprise double against the champions.
Results elsewhere unfortunately prevented any possibility of European qualification, yet fans can be proud of the efforts of their team as they secured an unlikely top-half finish.
City, meanwhile, will be somewhat unperturbed by the defeat, and the focus will be firmly on the upcoming FA Cup and UEFA Champions League finals, as Pep Guardiola’s men search for a historic treble.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)
