Record-breaker Raheem Sterling outlines Man City mindset after setting 12-point gap over Liverpool

Raheem Sterling played down the importance of Manchester City's increased lead in the Premier League after their hard-fought victory over Brentford.

City were 2-0 winners over a stubborn Brentford side, who made the Blues really fight for their three points at times in their encounter. Sterling was the difference-maker in a first half that was becoming more and more frustrating for the Blues, as he picked up the ball, drove towards the byline, and tempted a foul for a penalty.

That was the 23rd penalty Sterling has won in the Premier League, setting a new record in the competition for spot-kicks won, and Riyad Mahrez converted confidently for his seventh goal in as many City games.

Kevin De Bruyne swept home in the second half after Sterling saw his shot saved by Brentford's David Raya - having been gifted the ball from the goalkeeper 18-yards out. The victory sends City 12 points clear of Liverpool, who can restore the gap to nine points if they beat Leicester on Thursday, still with a game in hand.

Reflecting on the victory, Sterling told BT Sport: "They made it really difficult, the game at their place was really difficult too. They were hard to break down. We stuck to it and got two goals.

"We had to keep going, keep creating chances and we'll hopefully take one. We got a penalty and Kev's second in the second half. [At half time] the manager told us to keep the ball, they had a few breaks on the corner and to be aware of that and keep creating chances.

"They defended well, they're a tight unit. we had to keep going, probing the ball and finding the gaps and we did."

And reflecting on the lead over Liverpool, Sterling said City's squad is trying not to think about the table and only about the next trip to Norwich