'The goals are coming' - is Doku keeping Man City in title race?

His performance was widely praised, with MOTD pundit Ashley Williams saying it is "the best we have seen of Jeremy Doku".

The former Wales international defender added: "From a defender's point of view, I am not sure I would know how to stop him. He is physically strong, can go right or left, his acceleration is something else but also his deceleration can leave you flat-footed.

"He was up against Kayode, who I really rate, and he just couldn't handle him. He has been the best player in the Premier League these last few weeks."

Former City striker Daniel Sturridge said on Sky Sports: "He has been exceptional. The goal he scored in this game was a thing of beauty. It is a brilliant finish.

"That is the go-to finish for him now. The repetitions in training are paying off. His game is progressing, he is becoming more decisive in those moments.

"Confidence is key for attackers, it is the most important thing. If you doubt yourself at any time you won't make the difference. Now he is thinking 'I can do this, I can score'."

Doku's brilliant showing made him just the third player in the Premier League this season to create six or more chances and complete six or more dribbles after Bukayo Saka and Elliot Anderson.

"He is a top player," said Brentford boss Keith Andrews. "If it's not Doku, then someone else will step up and that is the luxury Pep has - phenomenally talented players, game changers who can decide games and that is ultimately what happened with the first goal."

Doku dedicated his latest goal to his dad, who turned 60 on Saturday, saying: "It's his birthday.

"I am becoming a dad soon and he sacrificed his life for me every time, bringing me to the club not knowing I would be what I am now.

"For me that's a big thing so him turning 60, I am grateful and that is why I wanted to give this goal to him. Having him around is a blessing."

Figure caption,

Scoring goals isn't to be a genius, it's to bring players close to Haaland - Guardiola

'Come on you Irons'

The general feeling is that this season's title race hinges on Arsenal's trip to relegation-threatened West Ham on Sunday.

Should Mikel Arteta's side emerge victorious, the trophy is theirs to take with two games remaining.

Those matches are against already-relegated Burnley before finishing the season against Crystal Palace, who have a Europa Conference League final to negotiate.

However, if Arsenal draw or lose against the Hammers, it leaves the door ajar for City once more, with fixtures to come against Palace and Bournemouth before rounding off against Aston Villa.

Asked if he will watch Sunday's match, Guardiola told BBC Radio 5 Live his sister is visiting as he has "not seen her for a long time" but if he is at home "of course I will take a look and watch - I like football".

Haaland, meanwhile, took his tally to 50 goals for club and country and said the players "can't think of the title race", but he will have "notifications on his phone" of the Arsenal-West Ham game.

Guardiola ended Saturday's post-match news conference by saying "come on you Irons", before gesturing the Hammers symbol with his arms above his heads.

The Spaniard knows his side need a favour from Nuno Espirito Santo's men to maintain hope.