City start the new year with a tantalising trip to in-form Arsenal at the weekend, when they can go further clear at the summit of the standings, while Brentford – who remain nine points above the relegation zone – host Aston Villa, and are sure to be buoyed by today’s commendable effort.
Once again, Brentford give one of the Premier League’s top dogs a run for their money, as a determined display limits Manchester City to a single-goal margin of victory.
The champions were off-colour today, and Guardiola will be displeased with some of their imprecise play in the final third, but another three points puts them eight clear at the top heading into 2022.
Despite their shortcomings, City controlled possession throughout to rack up their tenth league win in a row – in four of their last five they haven’t conceded a goal. Champion form?
Goal
