Manchester City kept their Premier League title race alive with a commanding 3-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday, moving two points behind leaders Arsenal.
- +Man City keep title pressure on Arsenal with Brentford rout
Jeremy Doku opened the scoring in the 60th minute with a trademark curling effort after another dazzling display from the Belgian winger, who had scored twice in City’s 3-3 draw against Everton earlier in the week.
Jeremy Doku opened the scoring in the 60th minute with a trademark curling effort after another dazzling display from the Belgian winger, who had scored twice in City’s 3-3 draw against Everton earlier in the week.
Erling Haaland doubled City’s advantage with an improvised backheel finish for his 26th league goal of the season before setting up Omar Marmoush to seal the win in stoppage time.
Pep Guardiola’s side struggled to break down Brentford for much of the contest at the Etihad Stadium despite dominating possession. Doku threatened early, forcing a save from Caoimhin Kelleher, while Haaland wasted a good headed chance from close range.
City also survived a scare when goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma misjudged a long throw from Michael Kayode, leading to a scramble in the area before the hosts cleared the danger.
Brentford remained competitive after the break, with Donnarumma forced into a save from Igor Thiago. Guardiola then introduced Marmoush and Phil Foden, a move that changed the momentum instantly.
Doku finally broke Brentford’s resistance when he reacted quickest to a rebound and curled a superb strike into the top corner. Haaland settled City’s nerves in the 75th minute with a clever backheel finish after his initial effort was blocked.
Marmoush completed the scoring late on with a composed finish to improve City’s goal difference, keeping the pressure firmly on Arsenal ahead of their clash with West Ham United.
