After being omitted from England’s World Cup squad, Ivan Toney strikes twice in Brentford’s 2-1 win at Manchester City

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)

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.

“There was disappointment, but I know what I’m capable of,” Toney told BT Sport after the game at the Etihad Stadium. “It won’t put me down. I will keep going.”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.