Man City vs Brentford: Mahrez, De Bruyne Inspire EPL Leaders to Routine Win

• Man City vs Brentford Premier League encounter ended in a 2-0 win for the reigning English champions
• Riyad Mahrez and Kevin de Bruyne scored in either half of the clash to inspire City to a thrilling victory
• The win cemented City's lead at the top of the log and currently enjoy a 12-point advantage over second-placed Liverpool

Man City vs Brentford Premier League clash staged at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, February 9, saw the league leaders secure a routine victory.

Hot from their 4-1 weekend win over Fulham in the FA Cup, City were desperate to build on the momentum as they seek to reclaim the EPL title.

And Pep Guardiola's charges managed to prove why they are the team to beat in the title race as they stunned the Bees 2-0 at home.

A goal on either half of the encounter was enough to help the Citizens cement their place on the summit of the standings.

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However, they had to wait until the 40th minute to break the deadlock via Riyad Mahrez who converted from the spot.

How Man City sunk Brentford

The opener came after the hosts squandered a couple of goalscoring chances, with Phil Foden and Joao Cancelo all going close.

Brentford equally had their own fair of chances but both Sergi Canos and Mathias Jensen failed to beat Ederson.

With just five minutes left before the break, the visitors conceded a penalty after Mads Roerslev fouled Raheem Sterling in the area.

Mahrez stepped up to dispatch from 12 yards as City headed into the break with the advantage.

The resumption of the second half saw City double the advantage via De Bruyne who pounced on a rebound from Sterling's attempted shot to make it 2-0.

Efforts by Brentford to earn at least a consolation proved futile as City held on to claim maximum points.

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The win now has Guardiola's men topping the standings with 60 points, 12 ahead of second-placed Liverpool.

Lacazette named Arsenal captain

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has appointed Alexander Lacazette as the club's new captain for the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Gunners have been without a substantive skipper since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stripped of the role following "a disciplinary breach."

And with the Gabonese striker already past tense at the Emirates following his January switch to Barcelona, Arteta has resolved to fill the role with Lacazette.