Man City beat Brentford to close gap to Arsenal to two points in title race

Manchester City score three in the second half of their Premier League match against Brentford to maintain title hopes.Manchester City kept their slender Premier League title hopes alive as Jeremy Doku inspired a 3-0 win against Brentford.Pep Guardiola’s side struggled to prise open Brentford for almost an hour at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Olympic water polo resignations cite lack of respect, belittling behaviourlist 2 of 4FIFPRO in ‘landmark’ win as European body admits football calendar failingslist 3 of 4Holders Flamengo see Copa Libertadores match abandoned amid crowd troublelist 4 of 4Miami host committee assured ICE will not be at World Cup gamesend of listBut 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 Chelsea on May 16.Foreshadowing his match-winning contribution, City winger Doku forced an early save from Caoimhin Kelleher.But Gianluigi Donnarumma almost gifted Brentford a goal when Michael Kayode’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.