Foden on fire, as hat-trick takes City to second in the league

LONDON — Pep Guardiola said Phil Foden is enjoying his best season at Manchester City, after the England international almost single-handedly sunk Brentford in a 3-1 win on Monday, leaving the Premier League's top three separated by just two points.

City moves alongside Arsenal on 49 points, two behind Liverpool, but Guardiola's men have a game in hand that, if won, will see them move out in front.

The defending champion became the first side in Premier League history to win four consecutive away games, despite falling behind in all of them.

Neal Maupay fired the Bees in front against the run of play, but there was little doubt over the outcome once Foden leveled for the visitor in first-half stoppage time.

Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland then teed up the England international to complete his second career hat-trick after the break.

"He's a guy with a sense for goal," said Guardiola after Foden took his tally for the season to 14.

"I think he is playing his best season since we are together. The incidence of goals and assists, of playing in this central position, are unbelievable."

City's rivals for the title may rue not opening up an advantage while De Bruyne and Haaland were sidelined by injury in recent months, as the Manchester outfit look primed to become the first side ever to win four consecutive English top-flight titles.

Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken started the night as statistically the worst goalkeeper in the Premier League in terms of percentage of shots saved.

However, the Dutchman was in inspired form to frustrate City in the opening 45 minutes, making nine saves before the break.

Brentford had barely posed any threat before it took the lead in the 21st minute, meaning City's run of just one Premier League clean sheet since October continues.

Flekken got the assist on top of his heroics at the back, as it was from his goal-kick, Ivan Toney blocked off Nathan Ake, allowing Maupay to run clear and score for the fifth consecutive game.

Just moments later, Haaland had a huge chance to mark his first start for two months with a goal, but could not beat Flekken when sent clean through into a one-on-one with the Bees' stopper.

In total, City had 17 efforts on goal with 10 on target in the first half, making its final effort count.

Ethan Pinnock headed De Bruyne's cross straight into the path of Foden, who controlled on his chest and swept the ball low into the corner.

Eight minutes into the second period, a De Bruyne delivery picked out the head of Foden, who directed the ball past Flekken.

Brentford rallied and had their chances to get back on level terms, as Ruben Dias produced a vital block to turn Christian Norgaard's shot behind.

"Those are the chances we need to take if we want to beat them — the best team in the world," said Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

"It's difficult, no matter what you do against City. We did a lot of things right and there were key moments where we didn't have the quality, but they showed theirs."

Twenty minutes from time, City ensured an 11th victory in its last 12 games.

Haaland may not have got his goal, but the Norwegian played his part with a perfectly weighted pass for Foden, who coolly slotted it past Flekken.

The defeat leaves Brentford just three points above the relegation zone.

Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday also played into City's hands, making it the team to beat as the business end of the season approaches.

AFP