City go eight clear after Foden defeats the Bees

PHIL Foden climbed off the naughty step to send Manchester City into the new year with an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Foden’s first-half goal was enough for City to secure a 1-0 win at Brentford and tighten their grip on the title race after slip-ups by Liverpool and Chelsea.

Foden and Jack Grealish had been benched for City’s wins over Newcastle and Leicester after they were pictured on a night out following the 7-0 home win over Leeds.

But the England pair were back in the starting line-up in west London, and Foden’s goal made it a perfect 10 wins in a row for Pep Guardiola’s defending champions.

The calendar-year stats churned out at this stage of the season usually have little relevance, but City’s warrant a mention.

They have set English top-flight records for the most victories, 36, and the most away wins, 19, in the last 12 months, while their tally of 113 goals is also a Premier League record.

Joao Cancelo had to head clear off the line after Yoane Wissa’s mishit shot bounced awkwardly across Ederson’s goal.

But with their usual ruthless efficiency, City promptly swept up the other end and scored seconds later, Kevin De Bruyne whipping in a first-time cross from the right which Foden expertly guided home with his in-step.

City could, and probably should, have scored more after the break. Less than a minute into the second half Foden almost had another, his glancing header from another De Bruyne cross flying wide of the far post.

Foden and then Aymeric Laporte were denied goals by offside as City were comfortable winners.

Romelu Lukaku scored.