Man City 1-0 Brentford LIVE REACTION: Citizens leapfrog Arsenal to go second in Premier League thanks to Haaland winner

Manchester City moved above Arsenal into second in the Premier League after beating Brentford 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium. 

The reigning champions came out on top of their crucial game-in-hand thanks to a winner from Erling Haaland. 

Pep Guardiola’s side were showing frustration as the visitors defended well, however, they finally broke the deadlock through Haaland in the 71st minute. 

City are now one point behind league leaders Liverpool and have piled the pressure on their fellow rivals in the top-flight title race.

Brentford have lost 11 of their last 14 Premier League games (W3), as many as they had in their previous 46 combined (W18 D17).

The Bees held on for as long as they could but they couldn't keep Man City out in the end.

Thomas Frank's side sit 14th in the Premier League and five points clear of the relegation zone.

Manuel Akanji has recalled his thoughts when Erling Haaland was racing through on goal for the winner.

He said: «I was just thinking: ‘Please score!’

»The second chance we had, we failed to finish the game. Unfortunately, the keeper made a save, but we got the win."

Oscar Bobb has called Man City teammate Erling Haaland the 'best in the world'.

The 20-year-old told Premier League Productions: «He's the best in the world.

»He's only three years older than me but it's crazy to play with one of the greats."

Man City defender Manuel Akanji has reacted to the win.

«It wasn’t easy,» he said. «We scored a goal on the counter-attack.

»The defender slipped early and the efficiency was there [from Erling Haaland]. He scored a great goal.

«We know how hard it is to play against Brentford, with their back five. That’s why we tried to attack and we didn’t run into too many counter-attacks. I can’t remember too many big