Manchester City F.C. reduced the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal F.C. after securing a 3-0 victory against Brentford F.C. at the Etihad Stadium.
The result extended Manchester City’s unbeaten home run in the league to 16 matches, with the reigning champions recording 13 wins and three draws during that period.
Despite City’s dominance in possession, Brentford created the first major opportunity of the match when a long throw from Michael Kayode caused problems inside the penalty area. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma failed to gather cleanly, but the ball was eventually cleared off the line.
City gradually increased the pressure midway through the first half. Jeremy Doku created an opening for Erling Haaland, whose header drifted over the crossbar from close range.
Haaland later tested Caoimhin Kelleher with a header before the Brentford goalkeeper produced another important save from close range to deny the Norwegian striker.
Brentford remained competitive after the break and Donnarumma was required to make a low save at his near post to stop Igor Thiago following another attack involving Kayode.
City eventually broke the deadlock on the hour mark through Doku, who cut inside from the left before curling a finish into the far corner.
The home side doubled their advantage with 15 minutes remaining when Haaland converted from close range after a cutback from Antoine Semenyo created confusion inside the Brentford penalty area.
Kelleher prevented City from extending their lead moments later by producing a strong save to deny Phil Foden from close range.
Omar Marmoush completed the scoring late in the match after being set through by Haaland and finishing low into the corner.
The victory keeps Manchester City in contention in the Premier League title race, with Arsenal scheduled to face West Ham United F.C. before City play their game in hand against Crystal Palace F.C..
Brentford remain in contention for European qualification with two league matches remaining.
