Erling Haaland scored a vital winner 19 minutes from time as Manchester City eventually broke Brentford’s stubborn resistance to close within a point of the Premier League summit.

Pep Guardiola’s team had a huge run of luck at Etihad Stadium on what appeared to be a night of frustration.

When City countered, Julian Alvarez played a pass into the visitors’ half, and Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer looked to have the situation under control.

However, Ajer stumbled and lost his balance as Haaland started to pursue, allowing the Norwegian to quickly pass.