In a commanding performance that kept the pressure firmly on Arsenal, Manchester City cruised to a 3-0 victory over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium, moving within two points of the Premier League leaders with just three games remaining in the season.

Pep Guardiola's side delivered when it mattered most, with second-half goals from Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland, and substitute Omar Marmoush sealing a vital win in front of 52,489 passionate fans. At this stage of the title race, every match is a must-win, and City rose to the occasion against a Brentford side sitting seventh and chasing a Europa Conference League spot.

The Bees arrived in confident form after a 3-0 London derby victory over West Ham, and they showed early intent. Matheus Nunes was called into action to clear Michael Kayode's dangerous long throw, while the reliable right-back also showcased his pace and strength to deny Kevin Schade, who had been played in on goal by strike partner Igor Thiago.

Despite those early scares, City gradually found their rhythm. Jeremy Doku, the talk of the town before kick-off, continued his scintillating form by creating chance after chance in the first half. The Belgian winger delivered a tantalizing cross from the left that found Erling Haaland, who had slipped between two centre-halves, but the Norwegian's header sailed just over the bar.

City's No. 9 then beat Kristoffer Ajer to meet Antoine Semenyo's cross, though his effort was straight at goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. Doku remained a constant threat, driving at the Brentford defense before cutting the ball back for Haaland, whose powerful shot was eventually gathered by Kelleher after Nathan Ake attempted to poke home the loose ball.

Brentford emerged strongly after the break, just as they had in the first half, forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma to demonstrate his full range of skills to deny an advancing Thiago. But City's quality eventually told, as they turned up the heat in the second period to secure a crucial victory that keeps their title dreams alive.