Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits Brentford ran them close for Tuesday night's win.

Erling Haaland struck on 71 minutes as City won 1-0 on the night.

Guardiola said: "They're such a difficult team. This season we lost six points [against Brentford]. They have the ability with Ivan Toney – he's a master player, a really good player. Other than that they're really good at free-kicks, throw-ins and so on.

"We had a lot of chances considering how difficult it is to play against them, and we've won our game in hand. The performance was really good, once again, and I'm happy for the result.

"I think we had less chances in the second half than in the first. We struggled a little bit in the second half."

"The players, for years, have done incredible things, and they're still doing it."

He also said: "It was difficult and always will be against Thomas [Frank]. We made a good first half, the second was not so good. We were patient and we didn't concede much.

"If someone doubts Erling [Haaland] then he will do his job. You make a mistake. He's an incredible player.

"It's a long way. Still many games. Of course, it's better to win. We missed the opportunity against Chelsea. I'm so proud of the team. We are closer but we are in the real part of the season. Tough, tough games in this period. We are there.

"I think three teams maybe and add someone in the next weeks, I don't know. I'm pretty sure Arsenal and Liverpool will be there at the end."