Guardiola delighted with Jeremy Doku impact after City cruise past Brentford

Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on Jérémy Doku after the winger’s brilliance inspired Manchester City to a 3-0 victory over Brentford, ensuring the champions remain firmly in the Premier League title race.

City entered the contest knowing their fate was no longer entirely in their own hands following a costly draw earlier in the week, but Doku provided the spark required to keep the pressure on rivals Arsenal.

The Belgian winger of Ghanaian descent broke Brentford’s resistance just after the hour mark at the Etihad Stadium, curling a superb effort into the top corner to swing momentum decisively in City’s favour.

The goal continued Doku’s rich vein of form, marking his fourth strike in three matches across all competitions.

His recent performances have added a cutting edge to Guardiola’s side at a critical stage of the campaign, with his direct running and creativity offering a consistent attacking outlet.

“Jeremy is outstanding in many things. Looks like a final product already and of course he can improve,” Guardiola said.

“Always had this incredible ability to dribble and to make action and connection, it’s outstanding.

“But now it’s winning games. I’m so incredibly pleased to have a guy that brings energy and that can score goals.”

Despite the comfortable scoreline, City endured a difficult opening period before gradually asserting control. Guardiola acknowledged his side had to weather early pressure before producing a more complete performance as the match progressed.

“We suffered in the first minutes today but after that we played a really good game. Especially left side in the first half, both sides in the second,” he said.

The victory keeps City within two points of Arsenal, who still hold the advantage heading into the final stretch. Guardiola admitted the title race remains out of their control but insisted his team will continue to apply pressure.

“We will see, that is not in our hands. We will do our job. We didn’t do it perfectly with Everton. We will do our job and wait,” he said.

Guardiola also pointed to lapses earlier in the season as a potential decisive factor.

“Everton was the real proof, 3-1 down and emotions. The second half we give away. It happened last season many times, now we’re more solid but we still give away.

“That’s football, it’s how you react. I’m pleased for the way we have done it.”