Manchester City reignited the Premier League title race with a crucial victory over Brentford, moving to within two points of leaders Arsenal.
After dropping points in a dramatic 3-3 draw at Everton earlier in the week, Pep Guardiola’s side responded strongly at the Etihad Stadium, scoring three second-half goals to maintain the pressure on the Gunners.
Arsenal now face a huge test against relegation-threatened West Ham on Sunday as the title battle intensifies.
Jeremy Doku was City’s standout performer throughout and nearly opened the scoring inside two minutes, forcing Caoimhin Kelleher into an early save before setting up Erling Haaland for a missed header.
City dominated possession in the opening half but struggled to convert their chances, with Haaland denied several times and Kristoffer Ajer producing a key block.
The breakthrough finally arrived just after the hour mark when Doku cut inside and curled a superb strike into the far corner, echoing his dramatic equaliser against Everton earlier in the week.
Haaland bundled home a second with 15 minutes remaining to calm nerves around the stadium before substitute Omar Marmoush wrapped up the win in stoppage time.
Despite the defeat, Brentford caused City problems at times.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into several important interventions, including a sharp save to deny Igor Thiago in the second half.
The visitors also felt aggrieved by several refereeing decisions, particularly Bernardo Silva escaping with only a yellow card after a clash with Nathan Collins.
City were far from flawless, and frustration grew among the home crowd during a tense first half.
But Guardiola’s side once again found their quality after the break, driven by the brilliance of Doku and the finishing touch of Haaland.
With two league games left, City know they must keep winning and hope Arsenal stumble if they are to retain the title.
Brentford’s recent dip in form continued with just one win in their last eight league games.
While they competed well for long spells, missed opportunities and defensive lapses proved costly.
Keith Andrews’ side remain in the hunt for Europe, but they will need strong finishes against Crystal Palace and Liverpool to avoid their impressive campaign fading away.
