Man City go 12 points clear atop Premier League

Sports Desk, Feb 9 (EFE).- Reigning champions Manchester City bested Brentford 2-0 Wednesday to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to 12 points.

Despite having just 24 percent possession, the visiting Bees were tenacious on defense and had a good chance of reaching half-time at the Etihad with a clean sheet until Raheem Sterling drew a clumsy foul from Mads Roerslev Rasmussen in the 39th minute.

The referee pointed to the spot and Riyad Mahrez converted to put the hosts up 1-0.

Kevin de Bruyne added the insurance goal in the 69th minute, knocking in the rebound after Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, playing his first league match after missing three months to a knee injury, denied Sterling after giving way the ball with a poor pass.

Raya did well to stop Rodri from making the margin 3-0 with 10 minutes left in regulation.

City improved to 60 points, 12 better than second-place Liverpool, who have two games in hand. Promoted Brentford are 14th with 23 points. EFE msg/dr