Jeremy Doku stepped up once again to keep Manchester City in the Premier League title race, scoring a crucial opener in a 3-0 victory over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium. The win puts pressure back on Arsenal ahead of their match against West Ham.
Doku delivers when it matters
For the third time in a week, the Belgian winger produced a moment of magic when his team needed it most. After his 97th-minute screamer salvaged a draw against Everton on Monday, Doku knew City could not afford another slip-up. With Arsenal leading the table, anything less than a win would have all but ended City's hopes.
For an hour, Brentford frustrated the hosts. City dominated possession and created chances but failed to break through. However, in the 61st minute, Doku bent a superb strike beyond Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and into the top corner, sparking celebrations around the Etihad.
Haaland and Marmoush seal the win
Erling Haaland doubled City's lead with a scrappy goal, before Omar Marmoush added gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time. The victory momentarily moved City to within two points of Arsenal, though the Gunners still hold the advantage with three games remaining.
City were booed off at half-time after failing to convert their dominance into goals. Despite 15 shots and 31 touches in Brentford's penalty area, only four efforts were on target. But just as frustrations mounted, City found a way, as champions often do.
Title race implications
While the win does not shift the trajectory of the title race entirely, it ensures Arsenal cannot afford to slip up. City remain the hunters, but this result means the Gunners must now cope with the weight of expectation. Doku's late equaliser against Everton now looks more valuable than it did five days ago.
City will hope to maintain their form as the season reaches its climax, with Arsenal's match against West Ham now carrying even greater significance.
