Erling Haaland scored a crucial winner 19 minutes from time as Manchester City finally shattered Brentford’s brave resistance to close within a whisker of the Premier League summit.
What looked set to be a night of agony at Etihad Stadium for Pep Guardiola’s men turned on a twist of fate.
Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer seemed to have the situation under control when Julian Alvarez played a pass into the visitors’ half as City countered.
But as Haaland began the hunt, Ajer slipped and could not recover as the Norwegian dashed past.
The 23-year-old showed his composure to beat Mark Flekken with a clinical shot. It was Haaland’s 22nd goal of the season and means he has now scored against every Premier League rival he has faced.
More importantly, it secured a victory that took City above Arsenal into second spot and kept a record fourth consecutive title in their own hands given they still have to face leaders Liverpool on 10 March.
While the result was not exactly unfair on Brentford given City’s supremacy, the manner of it was cruel. Thomas Frank’s side were much more disciplined than they were in the heavy loss against Liverpool at the weekend.
However, with six points from their past 11 games, they are only five points clear of the relegation zone and still looking for the consistent improvement that will get them out of trouble.
