After a biblical downpour, the skies cleared, and Manchester City executed the gameplan: secure a win and three points to keep their breath on Arsenal’s neck.
The clincher arrived via Erling Haaland’s 26th Premier League goal – as with his side’s performance this was hardly pretty but no one in blue cared. Antoine Semenyo marauded down the right, his cross hit at least one Brentford body, the ball came to Haaland who, with a second stab at it, bundled home from close range, the No 9 facing away from goal.
Pep Guardiola jumped into the arms of his assistant, Kolo Touré, and City could relax and tune into Arsenal’s trip on Sunday to West Ham praying the Irons do them a favour.
The deficit is down to two points but each team has played 35 matches so the Gunners cannot be caught if West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace are beaten. Yet City retain hope, and as they did not score until the scintillating Jérémy Doku’s solo effort on the hour, will be content. Omar Marmoush wrapped up the scoring in added time.
Once more they missed the control of Rodri, so played only in flashes. One came when the menacing Doku muscled into the area along the left and flipped the ball to Haaland: the big No 9 blazed at goal but a deflection, plus Caoimhín Kelleher’s hands, saved the visitors.
