Man City beat Brentford to close gap on leaders Arsenal

TL;DR

Manchester City defeated Brentford 3-0, with Jeremy Doku scoring the opener and Erling Haaland adding another goal. City is now just two points behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

Key points

Manchester City won 3-0 against Brentford
Jeremy Doku scored the first goal
Erling Haaland scored his 26th league goal
City is now two points behind Arsenal
City will have a game in hand on Arsenal

Manchester CityBrentfordArsenalWest Ham

Manchester City's Jeremy Doku celebrates after scoring against Brentford (Darren Staples) (Darren Staples/AFP/AFP) Manchester City kept their slender Premier League title hopes alive as Jeremy Doku inspired a 3-0 win against Brentford on Saturday. Pep Guardiola's side struggled to prise open Brentford for almost an hour at the Etihad Stadium. But Doku's latest dazzling strike broke the deadlock before Erling Haaland bagged his 26th league goal this season. Omar Marmoush wrapped up an essential City victory in stoppage-time. City closed to two points behind leaders Arsenal, putting pressure back on Mikel Arteta's team to win at third-bottom West Ham on Sunday. After their damaging 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday put the destiny of the title in Arsenal's hands, City did their bit to prolong the drama. City will have a game in hand on Arsenal after this weekend, but the Gunners are guaranteed to clinch the title for the first time in 22 years if they win their remaining matches against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace. Guardiola's men host Palace on Wednesday before turning their attention to the FA Cup final against on May 16. Foreshadowing his match-winning contribution, City winger Doku forced an early save from . But almost gifted Brentford a goal when 's long throw was scrambled off the line after the City keeper made a hash of his attempt to catch the ball. Donnarumma's lackadaisical effort was in keeping with City's laboured attempts to take control. Haaland wastefully headed high and wide when Doku's cross picked out the striker just six yards from goal. When Haaland met Doku's cutback with a close-range blast, Kelleher repelled it before Nathan Ake failed to convert the rebound to groans from City's frustrated fans. escaped with a booking after the City midfielder lashed out at . City were equally lethargic at the start of the second half and Donnarumma had to save 's low drive. Guardiola sent on Marmoush and in a bid to spark City into life and the move paid instant dividends. Doku had scored twice with a eye-catching curlers against Everton and he repeated the trick to end Brentford's resistance in the 60th minute. Seizing the rebound after his initial effort was blocked, Doku whipped a superb strike into the top corner from the left-hand side of the penalty area. Doku's fourth goal in his last three games was nearly followed by one for Foden, but Kelleher was equal to his close-range shot. City were still vulnerable at the back and appealed in vain for a penalty after contact from . Haaland settled City's fraying nerves in the 75th minute, back-heeling in from close-range after his first effort was blocked from 's cross. Marmoush bolstered City's goal difference, which is now just one less than Arsenal's, with a composed finish from inside the area in the final seconds. smg/pb

Q&A

What was the final score of the Manchester City vs Brentford match?

Manchester City won the match against Brentford with a score of 3-0.

How many goals has Erling Haaland scored this season?

Erling Haaland has scored 26 league goals this season.

What does Manchester City's victory mean for the Premier League title race?

City's victory puts them two points behind Arsenal, increasing the pressure on Arsenal to win their upcoming matches.