11/05/2026

MONDAY | MAY 11, 2026

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Pep salutes Doku Man City star drives title challenge, inspires win over Brentford

J EREMY DOKU struck again as Manchester City kept their title hopes alive with a vital 3-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League yesterday. The winger scored his fifth goal in six games before Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush wrapped up a victory at the Etihad Stadium that cut Arsenal’s advantage at the top to two points. Both contenders now have three games to play, with Arsenal the next in action at rele gation-threatened West Ham overnight. After last Monday’s frustrating draw at Everton, City needed to win to keep any pressure on the Gunners and – as at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where they were facing defeat until the final moments, Doku came to their rescue. The Belgian struck in now trademark style to break the deadlock on the hour with a fine curl ing shot before Haaland and substitute Marmoush made the points certain. Victory was not without controversy, how ever, as European hopefuls Brentford had two penalty appeals turned down and City captain Bernardo Silva might have been sent off on another day for lashing out. But ultimately City, who were again missing the influential Rodri, did what they needed to do. “Jeremy is outstanding in many things. Looks like a final product already and of course he can improve,” Guardiola said. “Always had this incredible ability to dribble and to make action and connection, it’s out standing. “But now it’s winning games. I’m so incredi bly pleased to have a guy that brings energy and that can score goals.” Arsenal will clinch the title if they win their last three games against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace. “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,” Guardiola said. “We suffered in the first minutes today but after that we played a really good game. Especially left side in the first half, both sides in the second.” Guardiola con ceded City’s failure to close out

“That’s football, it’s how you react. I’m pleased for the way we have done it.” Guardiola concluded his post-match press conference with a pointed “Come on you Irons,“ ahead of Arsenal’s overnight game at the London Stadium.

we were fighting to qualify for the Champions League was so difficult. “But the Carabao Cup is in our

leading light. He terrorised Brentford right-back Michael Kayode and his superbly struck goal was key in opening up the game. “This season he made a step forward

pocket and the FA Cup Final at Wembley is the most beautiful day of the season and I love it.” Doku, who scored twice at Everton last week, was once again City’s

that players must do to try to do better and better and it belongs absolutely to him, the confidence,” said Guardiola. “In good teams you always need people up front – not just Erling, attacking midfielders and

“I love to be here again,” he said. “We finish second again this season minimum so I love it. I didn’t enjoy last season and that moment when

wingers need to make actions like that to win games.” Brentford left the Etihad S t ad i um f r u s -

Brentford’s Dango Ouattara (left) battles for possession against City’s Jeremy Doku during the English Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium yesterday. – AFPPIC

trated after two penalty shouts were waved away by referee Michael Salisbury.

Keith Andrews accepted Matheus Nunes perhaps got a touch on the ball when he tan gled with Kevin Schade as the last man in the first half, but was perplexed that a spot-kick was not given when Nunes again challenged Schade as he prepared to strike with the game at 1-0. “The one in the second half when Kev is going through and (Igor) Thiago squares it to him, in what world he goes

d o w n unless there’s contact is beyond me because there’s a goal

there for him to get it to 1-1,” he said. “That’s probably the one I’m struggling to comprehend a little bit. “The comment I heard was there’s not enough contact. For someone who is as quick as Kevin Schade with his eyes on goal, I don’t know how much contact he’s looking for.” Despite that, Andrews saw plenty of posi tives. “We started the second half really well,” he said. “The reality is their first goal is a wonder strike, second goal is a tad scruffy and then the third goal, we’re chasing the game and leaving spaces. “I liked a lot of what we did, I liked the approach. I don’t love the scoreline but there is a lot to take back with us.” – AFP/The Independent ality is their first goal is a wonde nd goal is a tad scruffy and then th we’re chasing the game and leavin d a lot of what we did, I liked th h. I don’t love the scoreline but ther o take back with us.” – AFP/Th nt

games at times this sea son is likely to prove their undoing. “Everton was

t h e real proof, 3-1 down and

emotions. The second half we give away. It hap pened last season many times, now we’re more solid but we still give away,” he said.

- Story on page 30

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Devils had to dig deep: Carrick

Lacklustre Super League

Story on page 31

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