Pep Guardiola admitted his side needed the killer instinct of Erling Haaland after they edged out Brentford 1-0 in a nervy encounter that left his side one point behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Haaland settled the contest in the 71st minute when he punished a slip from Kristoffer Ajer, running from the halfway line to slot the ball under the unfortunate Mark Flekken, who had another outstanding match against the reigning champions.
After a week in which Guardiola had to answer questions about the Norwegian star, whose misses proved costly in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, Haaland made no mistake with one of the very few clear chances a well-organised Brentford side afforded City on the night.
“If I had to choose one (player), I choose this one,” Guardiola said of the moment.
It was Haaland’s third goal in seven games since returning from the foot injury that sidelined him for two months. Last week, he mourned the death of his grandmother Tone Rascal, mother of his father Alf-Inge, at the age of 80.
Asked if he had needed to speak to the striker, Guardiola said: “We spoke about the moment and I realised this later, but he didn’t say anything about the passing away of his grandmother. We talked about how he feels and of course for his father.
“In this type of game like Brentford, you need Erling. With not much space, you can play with a typical striker.”
City struggled to break down a determined Brentford side. Kevin De Bruyne was kept on the bench throughout the night, not even emerging to warm up with the game in the balance, and Guardiola revealed the Belgian playmaker had a hamstring issue, having already missed five months of the season.
“Today we could not use Kevin because he had niggles in his hamstring and I didn’t want to take risk,” he said, adding: “He’s okay. It’s just a precaution but he didn’t feel comfortable and so after five months off we didn’t take any risk.”
Brentford had defended doggedly before the goal, more than once having all 11 players inside their own box in open play. Bernardo Silva headed a glorious chance wide before Oscar Bobb created space only to shoot straight at Flekken, but otherwise there were few real opportunities.
Having taken six points off City last season, Brentford threatened to do damage to their title bid again this time before Haaland stepped in – he has now scored against all 21 opponents he has faced in the Premier League.
“I think throughout the game we were brilliant, I’m very proud and pleased with the players’ performance,” Bees manager Thomas Frank said. “They believed and it gives me a lot of belief in them going forwards.
“The way we defended the whole game was magnificent in terms of structure, defensive principles, urgency. Before the goal, we gave away the header to Bernardo Silva and the Oscar Bobb chance and it was two big chances. If you can limit City to two big chances, you have done a very good job.
“If (Ajer) doesn’t slip I’m convinced it would not be a goal. Haaland is quick but Kristoffer is as quick. City are good so they don’t need the margins going their way.”
Soucek dedicates win over Luton to 'unbelievable' departing manager Moyes
Tomas Soucek dedicated his side's victory over Luton Town to David Moyes as the West Ham manager signed off at home in winning ways.
West Ham confirmed earlier this week that Moyes is to depart London Stadium at the end of the season when his contract expires.
The Hammers defeated Luton 3-1 in Saturday's Premier League contest, with Moyes given a strong ovation before, during and after the match.
Soucek, who netted either side of goals from James Ward-Prowse and youngster George Earthy, is grateful for what Moyes has done.
"It is tough to take. The manager has been unbelievable and improved this club a lot," he told BBC Sport.
"We wanted to get the win for him and we're happy that we did in the second half. It was tough at the beginning but it's a good win for everyone."
West Ham's comeback victory snapped their latest four-game winless streak in all competitions, which included a 5-0 loss at Chelsea last week.
Moyes, who guided United to Europa Conference League glory last year, was glad to bow out with three points in front of a fanbase that has at times been divided over his future.
"I go away from here with great memories," said Moyes, whose side conclude their campaign at Manchester City next weekend.
"The club is a brilliant club and has so much room for improvement. It can step up again and I hope that they do. The crowds here are huge and we had a great crowd today.
"I have lots of great memories here. We have beaten a lot of the bigger sides at home and the biggest thing is that West Ham are back on the map."
Luton took the lead in East London through Albert Sambi Lokonga inside six minutes, but they were unable to hold on for a much-needed win.
The Hatters have just one win in their past 16 matches and now look all but certain to be relegated after just one season in the top flight.
Nottingham Forest require just one point from games with Chelsea and Burnley to confirm Luton's relegation.
However, the Hatters' vastly inferior goal difference means they effectively cannot catch Forest, even if every remaining result goes in their favour.
Town boss Rob Edwards had tears in his eyes when he applauded the away fans at full-time as he accepted his side's fate after a gruelling campaign.
"I was emotional at the end with the way our supporters reacted," he said. "I can only say thanks to the players, the staff and our fans.
"We haven't got over the line but we've done it before and we can be back here again. It's a world all about results but our fans have shown understanding and total support.
"There is a connection and a bond that you can see. That doesn't happen very often. We have grown so much, this club is only going in one direction.
"The growth this team have shown makes me really proud. I care about how we go about it and to show the competitive nature we have been able to bring to the league makes us all better. In the end it's just been too much for us."
Brighton draw could prove a 'valuable point' for Newcastle, says Howe
Newcastle signed off from St James’ Park this season with a 100 per cent record of scoring in every home game this season - the first time they have achieved that feat in the Premier League era.
However, the Magpies could only muster a 1-1 draw against Brighton on Saturday, leaving their hopes of securing a top-six finish hanging in the balance.
Newcastle remain unbeaten at home in the Premier League since the start of February (W4 D4), with this point being the ninth they have rescued from a losing position at home in that time - the second most of any team over that period (behind only Tottenham on 12).
Eddie’s Howe's side gave everything to score a second goal but were unable to convert their chances.
Sixth spot looks like the highest they can finish as they try to keep Chelsea and Manchester United at bay in the race for European qualification, as Tottenham need just one point from their final two games to guarantee fifth and still have faint hopes of catching fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Eddie Howe told BBC Sport after the match: "If you're not going to win the game, the draw for us is really important.
"I think it could be a valuable point for us. It was a tough game, we knew it would be, as Brighton are always difficult opponents.
"I don't think we hit the heights we needed to win it but, if anyone was going to, I thought it would be us.
"It was a poor goal [to concede] from us. We did start well and were progressive. Out of nothing, they take the lead. I'm just disappointed with our product around the box and there probably weren't enough clear-cut chances.
"Without a doubt the scene, the environment created by the supporters [has contributed to good home record].
"Even when Brighton scored they got right behind the team but we just couldn't find that winning goal. This season the crowd have taken it to another level. They have made this place a really difficult place to play."
Brighton put up a valiant effort in what was a cauldron of noise, but the Seagulls were unable to make their attacks count.
Since beating Sheffield United 5-0 in February, Brighton have struggled in front of goal, scoring just six goals, and never more than once in each of the 11 games that have followed.
On this occasion, Brighton led through Joel Veltman but Sean Longstaff reacted quickly to turn in an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.
With top scorer Joao Pedro out for the last games of the season through injury, Danny Welbeck and Julio Enciso were the main attacking Brighton threats, though neither could beat Martin Dubravka.
"My conclusion is it was a fair result," said De Zerbi, who is targeting a top-10 finish. "We could have won the game or lost the game.
"We suffered too much, especially in the second half, especially when the substitutions for us are two young players.
"I am very proud for the performance, and we would like to finish the season in the first 10 places. All the problems we [have had] this season, it is a great result.
"It is important the point, especially in this stadium. I think St James' Park is the best stadium in the Premier League. I have twice been in this stadium and both times it was an incredible atmosphere.
"It is important now that we have two home games, and we want to make our fans happy."
Newcastle have matches against Manchester United and Brentford next week.
Brighton will also face United, concluding their campaign against Erik ten Hag’s men after they play Chelsea on Wednesday.
Kompany looking to start next season's preparations immediately following Burnley's relegation
Vincent Kompany is looking to start Burnley's preparations for next season as soon as possible after their relegation was confirmed with defeat away at Tottenham.
Burnley knew they had to win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday to keep any hopes of staying up alive, and Jacob Bruun Larsen's first-half strike put the Clarets ahead in north London.
However, Pedro Porro equalised for the hosts, before Micky van de Ven slotted home in the 82nd minute to condemn Kompany's men to the second tier after just one season back in the top-flight.
Burnley's last campaign in the Championship ended in immediate promotion, in impressive fashion too as they romped to the title.
Kompany is hoping for more of the same next term, telling BBC Sport: "Today the Premier League is over, but tomorrow we start day one of doing everything we can to get back to the Premier League.
"I'm very lucky to be surrounded by good people, hard-working players, staff and fans who have backed the club for generations. That's who we try to do it for every weekend.
"The game has gone a bit like others have gone for us this season. We created chances but the one where we missed the final pass.
"I'm not here sulking and feeling sorry for us, but if you take every game, every season as a learning experience, this is a step we need to get into our game."
Spurs had previously lost four on the bounce, and it appeared they would slip up further as Saturday's contest went on until Van de Ven's crucial late goal ensured the three points, moving them four points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa with two games remaining.
Ange Postecoglou's men accumulated an xG (expected goals) of 2.5 to Burnley's 0.75, and the Spurs boss felt his side should have cruised to a much more routine win than it ultimately proved to be.
"We were dominant enough," Postecoglou told BBC Sport. "Their keeper was outstanding today and we had enough chances.
"It's always difficult when you lose four matches in a row and it is only natural there will be a bit of anxiety and a bit of stress there.
"For the most part I think we handled the game well, and we finished the game strong. It should have been a more comfortable victory, but the most important thing is we won the game."
Van de Ven's cool finish was his third goal of the season, and the 23-year-old's performances at centre-back since joining from Wolfsburg prior to the campaign have earned plaudits.
Postecoglou is delighted with the defender's maiden Premier League campaign, saying: "He's not a bad player, is he? He's outstanding and that's the exciting thing for me - it is his first year in Premier League football.
"I can't think of too many players who have made such an impact in their first year of Premier League football, and knowing he only really had one year in the Bundesliga. It's not like he's a seasoned professional.
"He has had a few injury problems, but when he's played he has been outstanding."
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