Man City made pivotal Kevin De Bruyne call ahead of big four-game run

If Manchester City do retain their Premier League crown this season, they will do so in the knowledge they had to work hard for it.

After their six-game winning run in the league came to end against Chelsea last Saturday, City were in danger of being frustrated by another west London outfit at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night. But after 71 minutes of knocking on the Brentford door, Erling Haaland eventually found a way through.

His 22nd goal of the season in all competitions was enough to clinch a slender 1-0 victory and an invaluable three points. City, as a result, are now back above Arsenal in the standings and targeting Liverpool at the summit.

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In a title race that is continuing to ebb and flow, Liverpool, City and Arsenal are each playing their own part in it. They have each set an impressive pace that is likely to push each contender to their limits.

City, this weekend, will have the opportunity to apply more pressure to Liverpool shoulders; the Merseysiders have a weekend off from Premier League action, instead focusing on trying to win the first domestic trophy of the campaign at Wembley, facing Chelsea in the League Cup final.

City make the long trip south on Saturday teatime to face Bournemouth, who they made mincemeat of in the reverse fixture at the Etihad back in November, hitting them for six. Pep Guardiola's side has won every Premier League meeting between the two, but nothing can be taken for granted in a title race that has already offered its fair share of twists and turns.

The trip to the Vitality Stadium marks the beginning of