Jérémy Doku shone once more as Manchester City secured a crucial 3-0 victory over Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, keeping their title aspirations alive.
The talented winger netted his fifth goal in six matches before Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush sealed the win at the Etihad Stadium, narrowing Arsenal’s lead at the top to just two points.
Both teams now have three matches remaining, with Arsenal set to play against relegation-threatened West Ham on Sunday.
After a frustrating draw against Everton on Monday, City understood the importance of this win to exert pressure on the Gunners. Just like their previous match at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where they salvaged a late draw, it was Doku who provided the breakthrough.
The Belgian exhibited his signature style, curling in a stunning shot to open the scoring just after the hour mark. Haaland and substitute Marmoush added to the tally to ensure the points were secured.
However, the match was not without its controversies. Brentford, who are vying for European qualification, had two penalty claims rejected, and City captain Bernardo Silva could have seen red for a reckless act.
Nonetheless, City managed to accomplish what they needed, despite the absence of the influential Rodri.
Doku consistently troubled the Brentford defense, especially with his runs from the left. In the early moments, he tested Caoimhín Kelleher with a shot.
Silva and Tijjani Reijnders both missed the target with attempts, while Haaland’s header lacked power, easily gathered by Kelleher.
Another chance fell to Haaland following a Doku setup; however, his shot was blocked by Kristoffer Ajer, and Kelleher thwarted Nathan Ake’s follow-up.
Despite dominating possession, City appeared vulnerable at times, almost conceding when Gianluigi Donnarumma misjudged a throw-in, with Matheus Nunes clearing off the line.
Nunes was involved in several key moments, one being when Kevin Schade raced onto a long ball, resulting in a collision on the edge of the area. The referee, Michael Salisbury, opted not to award a penalty.
Further controversy arose when Silva received a yellow card for striking Nathan Collins’ leg out of frustration after an incident in the area, which could have warranted a more severe punishment.
As City ramped up their urgency after halftime, Rayan Cherki drove a shot wide, prompting manager Pep Guardiola to introduce Phil Foden and Marmoush just after the hour mark.
However, the game shifted dramatically not due to the substitutes but because Doku once again took on the Brentford defense. Though he got fortunate when his pass was intercepted and rolled back to him, his exquisite finish wasn’t a matter of luck.
Brentford, again seeking a penalty following another incident with Schade and Nunes, had their appeal denied.
Haaland later confirmed City’s victory when he cleverly backheeled the ball into the net during a chaotic goalmouth situation 15 minutes from the end, and though Kelleher made a brilliant save to deny Foden, Marmoush ultimately finished the scoring during stoppage time.