Doku rescued a point for City in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Everton last week, albeit that result had seen Pep Guardiola's team hand Arsenal the initiative in the title race.

City now has to stay perfect and hope for Arsenal to slip up if it is to win the title, and there was a nervousness around Etihad Stadium.

That transferred onto the pitch as City turned in a disjointed display in the first half, and Brentford seemed to be building momentum early in the second.

However, on the hour mark, Doku bent in a sumptuous opener, picking out the top-right corner to break the deadlock in sensational style.

Brentford had a penalty appeal dismissed at the other end, before Erling Haaland settled the nerves when he bundled home in the 75th minute.

Caoimhin Kelleher made an outstanding save to deny Phil Foden, but City added further gloss to the scoreline when Omar Marmoush finished coolly in stoppage time, putting the pressure back on Arsenal as it heads to West Ham United on Monday (AEST).