Man City close gap on Arsenal after dominant win over Brentford

Manchester City reignited the Premier League title race after securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium.

The win moves Pep Guardiola’s side to within two points of league leaders Arsenal, piling pressure on the Gunners ahead of their clash against West Ham.

Doku inspires City breakthrough

City dominated large periods of the match but initially struggled to break down a strong Brentford side.

Jeremy Doku looked City’s most dangerous player throughout and nearly opened the scoring inside two minutes when his low effort forced a save from Caoimhin Kelleher.

The Belgian winger continued to torment the visitors and finally broke the deadlock on the hour mark with a brilliant curling strike into the far corner.

It was another moment of quality from Doku, who had also rescued City with a late equaliser against Everton earlier in the week.

Haaland and Marmoush finish the job

Erling Haaland doubled City’s lead with 15 minutes remaining after scrambling the ball home inside the area.

Substitute Omar Marmoush added a late third goal to seal an important victory in the title race.

Despite the defeat, Brentford did create moments of danger.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into several important interventions, including a sharp save to deny Igor Thiago in the second half.

Title race pressure shifts to Arsenal

After their damaging draw against Everton earlier in the week, City responded strongly to keep their title hopes alive.

Guardiola’s side now wait to see how Arsenal respond, with Mikel Arteta knowing victory against West Ham United is needed to restore their five-point cushion at the top.

For Brentford, the defeat leaves their European ambitions hanging in the balance as they remain eighth in the standings.