Manchester City responded emphatically to their dropped points earlier in the week, sweeping aside Brentford with a 3–0 win at the Etihad Stadium.
After a tense first half, it was Jérémy Doku who broke the deadlock in style early in the second period, producing a superb finish to put Manchester City in control.
The champions then doubled their advantage when Erling Haaland forced the ball home for his 26th goal of the season, further underlining his relentless form in front of goal.
In stoppage time, substitute Omar Marmoush added a third to seal a comfortable victory.
The result moves Pep Guardiola’s side within two points of league leaders Arsenal, keeping the title race finely poised ahead of Arsenal’s trip to West Ham United on Sunday.
City had begun the week with a chaotic 3–3 draw away to Everton, where Doku’s late equaliser salvaged a point after they had trailed 3–1 with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Brentford, managed by head coach Keith Andrews, arrived in strong form after a 3–0 win over West Ham last weekend, keeping their European hopes alive.
Despite the defeat, they remain firmly in the mix, with the possibility of a top-seven finish still realistic and even an outside route into next season’s Champions League still mathematically possible depending on UEFA qualification scenarios.
For City, the combination of Doku’s growing influence and Haaland’s continued scoring streak offered a timely reminder of their attacking strength as the title race intensifies.
