Jeremy Doku proved to be a constant headache for Brentford’s defense as Manchester City secured a crucial victory in the Premier League title race. The Belgian winger was the most dangerous player on the pitch, scoring a stunning goal in the 60th minute to help his side take all three points.
The match at the Etihad Stadium ended 3-0 in favor of City, with goals from Doku, Erling Haaland, and Omar Marmoush. The result puts Pep Guardiola’s team within two points of league leaders Arsenal, who have played the same number of matches (35 each). Arsenal still have a game in hand against West Ham, which could prove decisive.
Haaland’s goal was his 26th of the Premier League season, cementing his position as the competition’s top scorer. Interestingly, his closest rival for the Golden Boot is Brentford’s own Igor Thiago, who was on the opposing side today.
Marmoush added a third goal in stoppage time (90+2), assisted by Haaland, which could prove important in the goal difference tiebreaker between City and Arsenal. The Egyptian made no mistake against Irish goalkeeper Kelleher.
Before that, Doku received a standing ovation when he was substituted off in the 89th minute, replaced by Savinho. Earlier in the match, referee Michael Salisbury booked Henderson and Matheus Nunes after a scuffle between players. Brentford’s Ajer was also shown a yellow card.
In the 83rd minute, Phil Foden nearly added a third with a close-range effort, but Kelleher made a brilliant save to keep the score at 2-0 at that point. Brentford manager Keith Andrews made a substitution in the 79th minute, bringing on Jordan Henderson for Yarmolyuk.
With this win, City continue to dream of retaining the Premier League title. The current standings show Arsenal on 76 points with a +41 goal difference, while Manchester City sit on 74 points with a +40 goal difference. Both teams have played 35 matches.
