Guardiola: Come on, Hammers!

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has urged West Ham to slow Arsenal's title charge after his side kept their own hopes alive with a dominant 3-0 victory over Brentford. Following City's win, secured by goals from Jérémy Doku, Erling Haaland, and Omar Marmoush, Guardiola concluded his post-match press conference by crossing his arms and declaring, "Come on, Hammers!" ahead of Arsenal's visit to the London Stadium, as reported by DPA.

Manchester City initially appeared somewhat nervy against a Brentford side with European aspirations of their own. However, after Doku broke the deadlock with a superb goal on the hour mark, the Citizens ramped up the pressure. Haaland then added a second, before setting up Marmoush for a late third.

The victory moves City to within two points of Arsenal. While his team no longer controls their own destiny after Monday's 3-3 draw with Everton, Guardiola is relishing the thrill of another title race, especially after his side finished 13 points behind Liverpool last season. "I love being here again," he stated. "We're finishing second this season, at a minimum, so I like it. I didn't enjoy last season and that period when we were fighting to qualify for the Champions League was so tough. But the Carabao Cup is in our pocket, and the FA Cup final at Wembley is the most beautiful day of the season, and I like it," the Spaniard added.

Doku, who also scored twice against Everton on Monday, was once again City's standout performer. He terrorized Brentford's right-back Michael Kayode, and his magnificently taken goal was crucial in unlocking the game. "This season he has taken a step forward, which players need to do to try and perform better and better, and that belongs entirely to him, the confidence," Guardiola commented. "In good teams, you always need players up front – not just Erling, the attacking midfielders and wingers need to play like this to win games," he concluded.