Analysis: Flawless December continues

This was already Manchester City's fifth game in a relentless December, with two more Premier League fixtures to come to round off the year.

Victory over Brentford in treacherous conditions maintained their flawless record this month, and Pep Guardiola's men are starting to look ominous having won six straight matches across all competitions.

This competition is likely to be fourth on the list of trophy priorities for City, as they sit two points adrift of Arsenal in the league and inside the top-eight in the Champions League group phase.

But, after finishing last season without winning major silverware for the first time in eight years, the Carabao Cup could provide the first opportunity to put that particular record right, should they progress through the next round.

Former Lyon man Rayan Cherki is starting to settle in a City shirt. He showed some silky touches on the ball, while his thumping goal was his fourth of the campaign.

With top scorer Erling Haaland left on the bench, teenager Divine Mukasa started up front and almost scored his first senior City goal by weaving in and out, but his shot was struck straight at Brentford goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson.

The one concern for City will be a possible addition to their list of unavailable players.

They are already without Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri, who are both at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Jeremy Doku, John Stones and Rodri are out injured.

Guardiola will be hoping Oscar Bobb is not added to that list after hobbling off injured in the first half.

His withdrawal brought the in-form Phil Foden off the bench, who almost scored a seventh goal in six games but saw a snapshot clawed away by Valdimarsson.