Ahead of the visit from Brentford on Saturday, we take a recent look back at a memorable match against the Bees.
City v Brentford: Kick-off time, team news and TV information
Games against the West London Club have become a regular test for the Blues and is a match always marked on the calendar as a dangerous one.
But back in February 2022, Brentford were making their first visit for a league fixture in 71 years while it was a first top-flight meeting since Christmas Day in 1937.
It was not a good time for them to book in a long-awaited return trip to Manchester as we were flying at the time with 16 wins in our last 18 matches in all competitions.
Leading the charge was Riyad Mahrez, who was at his deadly best both as a master creator and scorer of important goals.
The Algerian went into the game having scored seven times in his previous six matches with another four assists.
His run began with a goal and assist in three successive Premier League victories over Leeds, Newcastle and Leicester as City rattled in 17 goals.
He was rested for a 1-0 away win at Brentford before scoring a penalty in the New Year’s Day win at Arsenal when Rodri scored a dramatic late winner.
After a frustrating African Cup of Nations, Mahrez returned with two goals and an assist in the 4-1 victory over Fulham in the FA Cup.
The winger was purring and Pep Guardiola was delighted with his performances.
“As a player he has a special quality,” he said after the win over the Cottagers.
“In the last year we struggled with penalties and now he is a guarantee. He scores every penalty he takes and especially under pressure.”
Against Brentford he got the opportunity to again demonstrate his ice cool temperament from the penalty spot.
He was at his silky best on the right wing and as City pushed for an opener, we finally got the breakthrough just before half-time.
Mads Roerslev’s rash tackle on Raheem Sterling presented Mahrez with the chance to score from the spot and he made no mistake, sending Brentford goalkeeper David Raya the wrong way.
We doubled our lead when Raya’s poor pass straight to Sterling gave the City man a chance to shoot. His effort was saved but Kevin de Bruyne followed up to secure another three points.
Victory sent us 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League and on our way to retaining the title.
