Manchester City moved menacingly into second place in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Liverpool, as Phil Foden's hat-trick was the catalyst for a convincing win at Brentford.

The hosts actually took the lead through Neal Maupay's breakaway goal in the 21st minute, but it took a heroic performance from Bees keeper Mark Flekken to keep the reigning champions at bay with a string of stunning saves until Foden struck in first-half stoppage time.