Gritty Man City show no signs of slowing down in Premier League title race

Manchester City are in danger of turning the Premier League into a procession as they keep winning while their title rivals fall by the wayside.

City chalked up their tenth straight win to go eight points clear at the top following Liverpool's defeat at Leicester and Chelsea dropping points to Brighton.

In fairness, it was definitely not an easy night at Brentford who, despite having 11 players out through Covid and injury, put up one hell of a fight.

But the truth is there is no stopping Pep Guardiola's reigning champions when they are in the groove and they will start 2022 looking ready to dominate the new year just like the last.

This was often scrappy, physical and niggly but still Guardiola's men are up for the fight and can seemingly pass any examination.

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Phil Foden scored the winner, was arguably the best player on the pitch as he played most of the match in a false nine role and City's players are almost taking it in turns to enjoy purple patches this season.

Last month it was Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling has taken a turn and now it is Foden who is shining brightly with his wonderful dribbling ability, strength and determination.

In fact, the only player who has yet to take a turn is £100m man Jack Grealish who endured another frustrating night and yet if he fulfils his huge potential further down the road, then you fear for the rest.

No team wins the title in December but going eight points clear will send shivers down the spine of Jurgen Klopp while Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea are already in danger of imploding.

City are relishing the chance to heap the pressure on the rest and this victory was a real statement of intent because their title rivals simply cannot live with them.

Guardiola warned before the game that Brentford were, in his eyes, the best team from set pieces in the Premier League and yet his defenders were strong enough just about to pass the test.

Nathan Ake slotted in at left back alongside Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias to try and cope with Brentford's physical and aerial threat and they just about came through it. Injury-hit Brentford were supposed to be a pushover but never gave an inch.

Frank Onyeka went close early on, Yoane Wissa's cross was deflected by Dias and brilliantly saved by City keeper Ederson. Quite how City survived when Wissa's half volley flashed across goal is anyone's guess as Joao Cancelo headed off the line.

But the difference between the top and the rest is invariably in the finishing. Brentford went close and were unlucky. City were just ruthless. The play shifted from a let-off at one end to clinical finish at the other.

Kevin De Bruyne whipped in a near post cross, Foden showed impeccable timing and cushioned a wonderful shot past Brentford keeper Alvaro Fernandez. It was given a lengthy VAR check but Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock just played Foden onside.

The travelling fans started singing: "That's why we're champions" and it is hard to disagree. Even when Guardiola's superstars do not have it easy, they find a way to win.

Brentford refused to be shrinking violets and Ivan Toney nearly pushed it too far as he was lucky not to see red for treading on Fernandinho's leg after a ding-dong with the City midfielder.

De Bruyne crashed a shot against the post in the second half, Laporte had a late effort ruled out by VAR, Brentford refused to buckle and yet ultimately City deserved their win.