Analysis: Nervy but job donepublished at 20:38 BST 9 May
20:38 BST 9 May
Shamoon Hafez Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
There were groans at half-time from Manchester City fans as it looked like they were going to be left disappointed. Little was going the hosts' way and they were forced to take potshots at goal.
But Pep Guardiola's men rallied in the second period by scoring twice through Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland, with an Omar Marmoush goal in the 92nd minute making sure they did not surrender in this fascinating title race.
Now they need Arsenal to slip up, but they also need to make sure they win their next two league games against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth to ensure the fight goes to the final day.
City extended their unbeaten run at home in the league to 16 games, having suffered defeat in their opening game at Etihad Stadium to Spurs back in August - that initial loss may ultimately prove critical.
Saturday's three goals means City's goal difference stands at +40, just one adrift of Arsenal, and every goal scored or conceded by the top two might be decisive.
City could have drawn level on that particular metric as substitute Phil Foden's flicked effort was brilliantly kept out by Kelleher, but the three points were all that mattered.
Manchester City 3-0 Brentford: What Guardiola and Doku saidpublished at 20:23 BST 9 May
20:23 BST 9 May
Media caption,
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports: "Really tough opponent. His transition, set-pieces, throw-ins, we suffered in the first minutes but after that we played a really good game. Especially the left side in the first half, both sides in the second.
"Jeremy [Doku] is outstanding in many things. Second half we put more players in the box, first half we didn't which is why we struggled. At the end we took a good result and keep going."
On Doku: "Looks like a final product already, of course, he can improve. 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."
On Arsenal: "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."
On players not giving up: "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."
Jeremy Doku, speaking to BBC's Match of the day about his goal: "Looks a bit like the one against Everton, we wanted to take short, the corner, I go past my man and then I look for the pass in between, the ball comes back and I'm inside the box and I feel I have space to shoot and I do it without thinking and I'm happy that it went in."
On whether he plays without thinking too much about it: "I'm an instinct player. Today it's working out. I scored some goals, I've always played with instinct but now the goals are coming. I haven't been a different player.
"I feel like after the first chance, the right back tried to close my right foot, so we opened more on the right side and tested my speed. On the goal I felt like I had the space to come inside and I tried to shoot."
On getting three points: "Yeah, I feel like 0-0 against a team like that, who are dangerous on set-pieces. We knew we had to score.
"When we scored the goal, there was more space and then we had a second goal. We were relieved and happy and we know that we need goals. I am happy for Omar [Marmoush] he has been training hard and this is about the work he has put in so I am happy for him."
Manchester City are undefeated in their last 13 games in the Premier League, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 10th December 2023 to 26th October 2024 - a run of 32 games.
Bernardo Silva became just the third Manchester City player to be shown 10+ yellow cards in a single Premier League campaign after Joey Barton (10 in 2006-07) and Pablo Zabaleta (11 in 2013-14).
Man City v Brentford: Team newspublished at 16:32 BST 9 May
16:32 BST 9 May
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola makes two changes following Monday night's six-goal thriller at Everton.
There is a surprise as Abdokodir Khusanov is not involved so Nathan Ake comes into the heart of the defence. Tijjani Reijnders replaces Nico Gonzalez in the other alternation.
Midfielder Rodri continues to recover from a groin injury and is not in the squad, but Ruben Dias makes a return from a hamstring issue.
Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Guehi, Ake, O'Reilly, Silva, Reijnders, Semenyo, Doku, Cherki, Haaland.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Bournemouth" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Brentford", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Manchester City v Brentfordpublished at 11:04 BST 9 May
11:04 BST 9 May
The title is out of Manchester City's hands now after their 3-3 draw at Everton, but their late equaliser on Monday could still turn out to be huge.
City getting a point means Arsenal still have to win their final three games to be sure of being champions, so it is not over yet.
Pep Guardiola's side definitely have to win this game, though, and to do it they will have to be more ruthless in front of goal.
Brentford are in the mix for the top six and only lost narrowly to City earlier in the season.
I am being selfish here, but just for my Fantasy team I need Erling Haaland to have a strong finish to the season so I am going for City - and him - to get among the goals on Saturday.
Manchester City v Brentford: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:08 BST 8 May
19:08 BST 8 May
Jordan Butler BBC Sport journalist
Manchester City aim to keep their title hopes alive on Saturday (17:30 BST) against a Brentford side with designs on reaching Europe. BBC Sport explores some of the key themes around this fixture.
It's still tight at the top…
It's rare for a team to score a 97th-minute equaliser and then finish the game feeling deflated, but that is exactly what happened to Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.
Jeremy Doku's excellent injury-time effort salvaged a potentially decisive point for Pep Guardiola's side in a pulsating 3-3 draw with Everton. However, it felt more like a case of two points dropped for City, who are five behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand.
Despite that setback the equation remains simple for City and their quest for the title. Win this weekend and then hope Arsenal drop points at West Ham on Sunday, or at some stage during the run-in.
Goal difference could also be a defining factor at the end of the season and therefore a handsome victory on Saturday evening would be welcomed by all connected to City. They have found the net at least twice in 13 of their past 15 top-flight outings at the Etihad but goals have not flowed freely for them in this fixture.
City have scored just 13 times in nine Premier League meetings with Brentford and their average of 1.4 goals per game versus Saturday's opponents is their lowest total against any top-flight team during Guardiola's reign.
Bees dreaming of European debut
Brentford were earmarked for relegation at the start of this season by many but have instead defied expectations in head coach Keith Andrews' debut season. The Irishman is now well positioned to lead his side into Europe for the first time in their 137-year history.
The Bees have a 1% chance of finishing inside the top five according to Opta – with seven points the gap to fifth and only nine left to play for – but they start this weekend only one point behind sixth-placed Bournemouth.
Seventh and even eighth should be enough for a European berth but sixth would guarantee entry into one of Europe's major competitions and could yet yield a Champions League spot if Aston Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth.
Golden Boot contenders face each other
Another subplot encapsulated within this fixture is the race for the Premier League Golden Boot.
City's Erling Haaland is favourite to claim his third such title and the Norwegian is three goals clear of Brentford striker Igor Thiago at the top of the charts.
The Brazilian's 22 goals have come from just 79 shots, which gives him a 27.9% conversion rate. In other words, he averages a goal roughly every four attempts.
Of the 67 players to have scored 20 or more in a top-flight season since 2003-04, only four have done so with a better conversion rate than the 24-year-old – Yaya Toure in 2013-14, Jamie Vardy in 2017-18, Chris Wood last season and Haaland himself in 2022-23.
Has impact of Rodri absence been overstated?published at 17:07 BST 8 May
17:07 BST 8 May
Chris Adams BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Over the course of Rodri's hugely successful Manchester City career, one thing is plain; Pep Guardiola's side are a better team with him than without him.
It's a view backed up by the data. Since his debut in August 2019, City have a better win percentage, score more goals, concede fewer goals and have more possession in Premier League games when the Spaniard plays compared to when he is absent.
The vast majority of those absences have come in the past two seasons. When City charged to an unprecedented four league titles in a row, Rodri missed just seven matchday squads - and three of those were through suspension.
At the start of the 2024-25 season, an ACL tear sustained five weeks before he won the Ballon d'Or meant he missed more than seven months of action and Liverpool won the league.
His current campaign has been blighted by a hamstring problem but, reassuringly for City fans, the numbers suggest Guardiola's squad is learning to cope without the 29-year-old.
Of the 11 games he missed between late September and New Year's Day, City won nine.
The four-time title winner has made 195 league appearances in six seasons at Etihad Stadium and Guardiola labelled him "the best midfield player in the world by far" a couple of years ago.
There's no doubt his physicality and intelligence in possession is crucial to their success, but the impact of his absence this season has perhaps been overstated.
Guardiola on Rodri's fitness, Gvardiol's return and Brentfordpublished at 14:36 BST 8 May
14:36 BST 8 May
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford at Etihad Stadium (17:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Guardiola provided a fitness update on Rodri after the midfielder missed the 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday: "Still he doesn't feel completely comfortable and when he will be ready and fit and comes back - and we'll see this afternoon. Hopefully for tomorrow he will come back."
On how he has coped without the Spaniard: "We have survived without him for many, many months. He still doesn't feel completely comfortable. He will be ready and fit and come back we will see this afternoon or tomorrow."
On whether City missed him against the Toffees, Guardiola said: "It doesn't depend on him. We gave the goals away but not because Rodri was not there."
Josko Gvardiol has returned to training, having not featured since January: "He's good, he's training. It has been many months. Last season he was the important player for us, played all the games, at the end his body said 'enough is enough'. Happy he's back - hopefully he can help us in the last part of the season."
He added he has "no info" on Gvardiol's contract negotiations after reports the defender is close to signing a new deal: "I would love Josko to stay here. It's not easy to find a player like him."
On Phil Foden's new contract: "I asked my sporting directors and they are close to an agreement. Hopefully it's going to happen but still it's not already done."
On Jeremy Doku's fine recent form: "I'm so glad. I'm so glad they're making the step and feel that the winger had to score and make an impact not just an extra one against one. The goals, the assists, also contributing defensively - Jeremy has been amazing this season. Amazing."
Guardiola was asked how Marc Guehi has responded after his mistake led to a goal for Everton on Monday: "He made a top game. He knows he made a mistake, but it's part of the game. Apart from that, he made a top game."
On how Keith Andrews has done replacing Thomas Frank as Brentford manager: "So good. Not easy to replace Thomas so an incredible season. Clear what they do and difficult to challenge them. But yeah, same time, three games left and Etihad and go for it."
Gossip: City keen on Vinicius Jrpublished at 08:02 BST 8 May
08:02 BST 8 May
Manchester City are contenders to sign Real Madrid and Brazil forward Vinicius Jr, with just over a year left on the 25-year-old's contract at the Bernebau. (Teamtalk, external)
Meanwhile City are in talks with defender Josko Gvardiol about extending his contract with the club. (Sky Sports, external)
'He could be our new Silva' - Fans on Fodenpublished at 11:32 BST 7 May
11:32 BST 7 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Phil Foden's new four-year deal at Manchester City and where he fits into Pep Guardiola's squad.
Here are some of your comments:
Harry: I'm elated Foden has signed a new deal as I have a soft spot for the lad. As for his position? It's a tricky one. There's questions over his ability to perform Bernardo Silva's role when he leaves and I find he's someone who operates well in pockets. I think having him on the right wing is better for cutting in, and with Antoine Semenyo's recent form I think he deserves some time in his place.
Anton: I really think Foden could be our new Silva, dropping deep to pick up the ball and popping up all over the place.
Mark: Foden very rarely produces the killer pass.
Russ: I'm glad to see there is a measure of certainty for Foden now. Still only 25 after winning pretty much everything you can in the game, and he still has more to give yet. Form is temporary but class is permanent. He's about to mature into one of the squad's senior players and I'm sure he will step up.
Gene: When he's good, he's really good and when he's bad, he's really bad. The talent and vision is there but it seems he's lost his confidence. He continually gets knocked off the ball and is slow to react defensively. He needs to get out of his head and just play.
Why is FA Cup ticket allocation lower this year?published at 09:25 BST 7 May
09:25 BST 7 May
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Some of you have been in touch using the Ask Me Anything form located on the menu at the top of your club page.
We've received questions around the ticket allocation for the FA Cup final.
Eyebrows were raised among some Chelsea and Manchester City fans when they found out their allocation for the showpiece.
Both teams have been allocated 28,700 for the Wembley fixture – over 2,000 fewer than City and Crystal Palace were given 12 months ago.
The finalists do tend to get an extra batch of tickets as the match approaches – both clubs did last season.
BBC Sport understands this will exceed 30,000 for both clubs.
Yet last season, Pep Guardiola's men ended up with 33,467 tickets.
That still leaves about 30,000 tickets outside of those given to clubs for the match on 16 May.
The number of tickets which do not go to supporters of the two teams always tends to raise questions.
These get divided among the 'football family' – volunteers, County FAs, local clubs and charities. Experiences by Wembley members get tickets as usual too.
Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.
We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.
'The writing is on the wall for City'published at 19:12 BST 6 May
19:12 BST 6 May
Emily Brobyn Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
A popular mantra preached in life is to always look forward and never look back.
Try telling that to a Manchester City fan who watched the dramatic 3-3 thriller that played out at Hill Dickinson stadium on Monday evening. The 13 minutes of madness that played out during a frantic second half was typical of the 2026 side of City's season and displayed why Pep Guardiola's side are now highly unlikely to be lifting the Premier League trophy come May.
In truth, 12 points dropped from winning positions just isn't champion behaviour. When people have insisted "City have the momentum" and "the experience of a title run-in", I've always insisted the club does. The manager does. But this current Guardiola squad doesn't – and that's a crucial distinction.
They've tasted what it feels like to be a winner at the League Cup final. Lifting silverware can really set an appetite and desire for more. It's one thing winning a one-off final, it's another to develop the mentality to lock in and produce the consistency required to win the ultimate prize come May. It requires resilience, enormous mental strength, belief, spirit and, most importantly, to be the best. That comes with time – one thing City have almost run out of.
Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland have won it all at the club, but Ruben Dias and Rodri are proving to be big misses right now; their leadership, their control. Certain players, more inexperienced with the pressures involved with a title run-in, look nervous and vulnerable. But this is a huge learning curve for them – football can be brutal and unforgiving, but also the most rewarding sport in the world. To endure is to ultimately enjoy.
Brentford won't be easy for the Blues. The Bees are hunting down a European place and Keith Andrews is surpassing everybody's expectations. City are currently on a 12-game unbeaten run but are heavily reliant on West Ham doing them a favour when they host Arsenal on Sunday.
They need a win to fight off relegation but an Arsenal win would all but see them crowned champions. Football is full of surprises – but I think the writing is on the wall for City and their title dreams this season.
'Contradictory' Guardiola keeping people guessing on futurepublished at 14:46 BST 6 May
14:46 BST 6 May
Rumours persist that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could leave the club this summer despite having another year on his contract.
The Daily Mail's northern football reporter Jack Gaughan told BBC Radio Manchester: "It'll be interesting to see what gets announced in the next few weeks I suppose.
"He's been kind of contradictory when he's been public facing. He looks like he's got loads of energy and could go on forever but then he's been quite wistful and nostalgic when he's talking about English football and things like that, so I think he's trying his best to keep people guessing but the noise is quite loud isn't it?"
Listen to more including reaction to the draw with Everton below or on BBC Sounds here.
What is Foden's role, and is he doing enough?published at 10:54 BST 6 May
10:54 BST 6 May
Chris Adams BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Phil Foden's descent down the Manchester City pecking order is a complicated one.
Come the end of the month, he may have racked up his highest number of appearances in a season across all club competitions, but in terms of starts and minutes played, this will be far from his most prominent campaign.
He is level on goals with Rayan Cherki, a player widely considered to be enjoying a fine first season in English football. Excluding last summer's Club World Cup, Foden has made more starts than Cherki, Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush, Savinho and January signing Antoine Semenyo.
Clearly, Pep Guardiola still feels there is a role for Foden, and a new contract is a strong endorsement of the Englishman's undoubted talents.
But what is that role? And is Foden doing enough when he is on the pitch?
The 25-year-old set a high bar with his performances in City's Treble-winning 2023-24 season, registering a career-high 27 goals and 12 assists. The subsequent two years have been less productive, and Foden's function in the side has changed.
The pacier options of Doku and Semenyo have been feeding the league's top scorer, Erling Haaland, from out wide, with Cherki often preferred as the playmaker in an attacking midfield role.
That means Foden has occasionally operated deeper, limiting his ability to score and supply the killer pass.
Per 90 minutes, his attacking numbers aren't favourable when compared with his colleagues in sky blue.
Highs and lows to despair and elationpublished at 10:48 BST 6 May
10:48 BST 6 May
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
You get highs and lows every week in football, but as you get to the business end it morphs into despair and elation on the grand scale. The emotional explosions have come earlier than usual with this weekend cranking them up to 11.
Manchester City seemed to be slowly squeezing the life out of Everton in the first half at the Hill Dickinson, but the Toffees are no longer compliant victim, however big the beast is that's attacking them. They defended for their lives, then battled and fought until the window of salvation opened, and it opened for 13 magical minutes. Well, they were magical if you were a Toffee.
There was only one more thing I wanted in this sensational little period of the season, an Arsenal fan sitting beside me to watch their emotional rollercoaster. The fabulous passion inside the stunning stadium would have been mirrored in the homes or local pubs of every Gunner watching on.
At least City moved through the gears to get a point but three goals away from home – two of them 'worldies' from Jeremy Doku – should always be enough to take the three points.
Image source, Getty Images
