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Erling Haaland is in such remarkable form that he seems to be setting new records every week.
This time around, Haaland has netted nine goals in seven Premier League matches this season, bringing his total to 18 in 11 for both club and country. This is the longest scoring streak of his career, having found the back of the net in each of his last nine matches.
It's no surprise that Haaland celebrated at the end by heading over to the away end to gift his shirt to a fan who then gave him a big kiss. Haaland's decisive goal at Brentford also means he has scored in 22 of the 23 Premier League stadiums he has played in, with Liverpool's Anfield being the only exception.
But what appears just as intimidating is Haaland's strength, determination and knack for scoring because he is right back to his very best and is giving opposing defences a hard time. Brentford simply couldn't cope with Haaland and in this sort of mood, you really feel as if they can step up and challenge for the title again.
In the first half, it was so one-sided that it felt as if City were merely playing with Brentford as they played some beautiful football and should have scored more goals from the chances they created.
Brentford fought back and showed spirit in the second half but, after Haaland's midweek tantrum when City twice squandered a lead in Monaco, they held firm this time.
The victory over Brentford marked another milestone for Pep Guardiola, as he notched up his 250th Premier League win in just 349 games. This achievement came a staggering 74 games quicker than the previous record holder, Arsene Wenger.
Guardiola's impact on English football has been profound, with his tactical innovations, unique style and impressive trophy haul marking him out as one of the best managers to grace the Premier League.
However, even a manager of Guardiola's calibre may struggle to secure another title without some of the world's top players at his disposal.
While Haaland's contribution to the team is undeniable, it could be argued that Rodri is equally crucial. The team failed to secure any silverware last season in his absence.
Rodri's struggle with injuries has been a significant setback for City. Thirteen months after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury, the midfielder has struggled to maintain consistent fitness, managing only 15 appearances since the end of the 2023/24 season.
In the latest blow, Rodri was forced off the pitch just 22 minutes into the game against Brentford due to a hamstring injury. Recovering from the knee injury is one challenge, but achieving match fitness is another entirely.
Without Rodri anchoring the midfield, City lack solidity. It's hard not to feel sympathy for the 2024 Ballon D'Or winner as he battles these ongoing fitness issues.
Despite Rodri's early exit, City managed to secure the win against Brentford, who were noticeably less aggressive than during their recent victory over Manchester United.
City's winning goal came just nine minutes into the match, courtesy of a powerful strike from Haaland. After receiving a long ball from Josko Gvardiol, Haaland shrugged off Sepp van den Berg and Nathan Collins before blasting the ball past keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Remarkably, this marked the first time a City player other than Phil Foden had found the back of the net at Brentford's Gtech Stadium. Foden had previously scored all six of City's goals across three games at Brentford, finally breaking that peculiar statistic.
Foden had a chance to add a seventh but missed from close range, while Tijjani Reijnders' spectacular volley was expertly saved by Kelleher.
However, even for the best teams, a 1-0 lead can be nerve-wracking when chances aren't converted. Brentford applied pressure without truly threatening to score.
City's first-half performance alone merited the victory.
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