Is Doku's late surge keeping Manchester City in Premier League title fight 2026?

Jeremy Doku's recent scoring run keeps Manchester City mathematically alive in the Premier League title race after a 3-0 win over Brentford.

City edge past stubborn Brentford Manchester City secured a 3-0 victory against Brentford to keep their Premier League title hopes alive. The win moved Pep Guardiola's side two points behind league leaders Arsenal with two matches remaining. Brentford proved difficult opponents, but City's attacking prowess proved decisive in the contest. The result extended their unbeaten run and kept pressure on the top of the table. ## Doku delivers crucial goals for City Jeremy Doku has become a vital attacking outlet for Manchester City with his recent goal-scoring form. The Belgian winger opened the scoring against Brentford with a composed finish, reminiscent of his late equalizer at Everton in midweek. In just three games, he has found the net four times, including a brace away to Southampton that helped City reach the FA Cup final. His contributions now total seven goal contributions in six appearances, nearly matching his previous 24-game output. ## Guardiola praises Doku's growth Pep Guardiola emphasized the importance of players contributing goals directly to victories, not just assists. 'If you want to become a better player, you have to win games for yourselves,' Guardiola stated. 'It is not enough to make good crosses for the other ones, you have to win games and score goals.' He highlighted Doku's recent mentality shift, saying, 'The big players always have that mentality.' Doku himself reflected on his instinctive play, noting, '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.' ## Doku shines against Brentford defense Jeremy Doku delivered his finest display yet for Manchester City against Brentford, tormenting full-back Michael Kayode throughout the match. His opening attempt in the first two minutes was denied by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, but Doku soon opened the scoring with a signature curling strike. Analysts praised his all-round performance, with one pundit calling it 'the best we have seen of Jeremy Doku.' Brentford manager Keith Andrews admitted, 'He is a top player. If it's not Doku, then someone else will step up and that is the luxury Pep has.' ## Experts hail Doku's progression Former Wales defender Ashley Williams described Doku's recent performances as the best in the Premier League, praising his strength, acceleration, and ability to wrong-foot defenders. Daniel Sturridge, a former Manchester City striker, called Doku 'exceptional,' highlighting his improved decisiveness and confidence in front of goal. 'The repetitions in training are paying off. His game is progressing, he is becoming more decisive in those moments,' Sturridge noted. Doku's latest display made him only the third player this season to record six or more chances created and six or more dribbles, alongside Bukayo Saka and Elliot Anderson. ## Doku dedicates goal to father After scoring against Brentford, Jeremy Doku dedicated his goal to his father, who celebrated his 60th birthday on the same day. 'It's his birthday. I am becoming a dad soon and he sacrificed his life for me every time, bringing me to the club not knowing I would be what I am now,' Doku explained. 'For me that's a big thing so him turning 60, I am grateful and that is why I wanted to give this goal to him. Having him around is a blessing.' ## Title race hangs on West Ham showdown The Premier League title race remains finely poised ahead of Arsenal's crucial trip to West Ham. A win for Mikel Arteta's side would likely clinch the trophy, leaving them with only two remaining fixtures against Burnley and Crystal Palace. However, any slip by Arsenal could reignite Manchester City's hopes, as they have matches against Palace and Bournemouth before ending the season against Aston Villa. Pep Guardiola admitted he would watch the game if he could, saying, 'of course I will take a look and watch - I like football.' ## Guardiola rallies behind West Ham Pep Guardiola ended his post-match press conference with an unexpected show of support for West Ham, shouting, 'come on you Irons' while making the club's symbol with his arms. The gesture underscored City's need for Arsenal to stumble against the relegation-threatened Hammers. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland reached a milestone of 50 goals for club and country but insisted the players must focus only on their own performances. He admitted he would still monitor the Arsenal-West Ham match closely, with notifications on his phone.