Manchester City stayed glued to Arsenal's heels with a convincing 3-0 win over Brentford at the Etihad, the goals coming in the second half once the patience finally paid off. They are two points off the top, and the leaders only play tomorrow.

The first half was a monologue without a reward. Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher kept his side in it with several important saves - first against a Doku shot in the second minute, then a double on Haaland in the 25th, blocking first the header from a Semenyo cross and immediately afterwards a point-blank effort.

After the break, City carried on at the same tempo. A Cherki strike flew just past the post, then Semenyo lacked precision. In between, the visitors briefly showed their teeth - Kayode found Thiago, but Donnarumma was in position.

In the 60th minute, Doku finally settled what Kelleher could no longer keep out - a curled effort into the top corner with no chance of a save. Minutes later, Foden was close to a second, but again the Irish goalkeeper denied the crowd with a sliding save.

In the 75th minute, Haaland flicked a velvet heel onto a smart Semenyo move for 2-0. In stoppage time, Omar Marmoush rounded off the story - assist from Haaland, calm finish into the top corner, 3-0.

City stay second, just two points behind Arsenal, who play West Ham tomorrow. Brentford drop to eighth and European dreams for the season start to melt. Who eventually takes the title comes down to nerve - and City showed tonight theirs is still holding.