Manchester City 2-0 Brentford: Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne on target as City open up 12-point Premier League lead

A Riyad Mahrez penalty Kevin de Bruyne goal took City 12 points clear at the top of the table, and though Liverpool have two games in hand, the title race looks over. Brentford, meanwhile, have now lost six matches in a row, and are, indisputably, in a relegation battle. Ad/> City started slowly, Brentford’s 5-4-1 limiting the space into which they could attack.

But a City goal seemed inevitable and eventually the pressure of concentration told, Mads Roerslev sliding into Raheem Sterling for no apparent reason; Mahrez slotted home the penalty with disquieting ease. Premier LeagueGuardiola 'very satisfied' with win over BrentfordAN HOUR AGO The second half was much the same as the first, City dominating possession, and though they again created little, the feeling was that at some point they’d happen upon a goal. And again, it was one they were handed by Brentford, David Raya passing straight to Raheem Sterling, and though he saved the initial shot, De Bruyne was on hand to pass into an empty net.

TALKING POINT Pep Guardiola has a strong love for skilful midfielders and with good reason, but he did not and does not need Jack Grealish. Tonight’s game seemed like a good one for Britain’s most expensive footballer: a team on a losing skid, likely to defend deep. But Grealish was left on the bench, while Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez cemented themselves as City’s first-choice front three.