Manchester City extended their lead atop the Premier League to 12 points after a 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday.
Riyad Mahrez scored his third goal in two games since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations with a first-half penalty, awarded after a foul on Raheem Sterling.
Kevin De Bruyne then sealed the points on 69 minutes to continue City’s unbeaten run to 11 in all competitions with Liverpool 12 points, and two games, back ahead of facing Leicester.
Brentford's loss was their fifth in succession as their recent slump, after a bright opening to the campaign, continues.
Manager Thomas Frank will have been pleased with the discipline shown for large spells but ultimately, although City controlled the contest in almost all aspects, their own mistakes cost them.
Phil Foden headed an early chance wide but it was not until towards the end of first half that the champions began to make the most of their considerable possession.
Mahrez created an opening just before the half-hour when he delivered a low cross into the box but goalkeeper David Raya just beat Raheem Sterling to the ball. Joao Cancelo charged in to meet the rebound but blasted over.
The breakthrough eventually came as Sterling burst into the area and was clumsily brought down by Mads Roerslev. Mahrez, who converted from the spot in Saturday's FA Cup victory over Fulham, did so again.
Brentford had offered little up until this point aside from a dipping shot from Mathias Jensen, and even then the offside flag was raised as Ederson palmed over.
Yet they were almost gifted a way back into the game when John Stones, starting at right-back as Kyle Walker was rested, slipped to let in Rico Henry.
Nobody has won more penalties in Premier League history than Raheem Sterling 🥇@JoleonLescott and @sjsidwell break down his role in Man City's opener against Brentford 🔎 pic.twitter.com/WnZDk6enxU
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 9, 2022
The left-back played a one-two with Saman Ghoddos but then scuffed hit shot and Ederson, although he collided with two players in the process, claimed.
City looked to put the result beyond doubt early in the second half as Cancelo sent a sweet shot just over and Bernardo Silva tested Raya from distance.
Brentford rallied and Roerslev fired a dangerous ball into the box but Onyeka was unable to control and Ederson gathered. Onyeka also threatened on a break from halfway but City retreated in numbers and De Bruyne got back to clear. Yet just as soon as the visitors began to sense they still had a chance, they gave another goal away.
Raya exchanged passes with his defenders and then carelessly kicked straight to Sterling. He recovered to beat away the England forward's instant shot but De Bruyne pounced on the rebound to double City's lead.
That deflated Brentford and Rodri went close to adding another for City when he caught a bouncing ball on the half-volley and forced a good save from Raya.
