Manchester City’s challenge may depend on Doku continuing to produce moments of brilliance to drag his side towards the finish line.
He has scored in three successive appearances in all competitions for the first time in his Manchester City career.
On Saturday, the winger gave Michael Kayode a taxing time, twisting the Brentford full-back inside and out throughout the game, and he could have scored in the opening two minutes but was thwarted by Caoimhin Kelleher.
His performance was widely praised, with MOTD pundit Ashley Williams saying it is “the best we have seen of Jeremy Doku”.
The former Wales international defender added: “From a defender’s point of view, I am not sure I would know how to stop him. He is physically strong, can go right or left, his acceleration is something else but also his deceleration can leave you flat-footed.
“He was up against Kayode, who I really rate, and he just couldn’t handle him. He has been the best player in the Premier League these last few weeks.”
Former City striker Daniel Sturridge said on Sky Sports: “He has been exceptional. The goal he scored in this game was a thing of beauty. It is a brilliant finish.
“That is the go-to finish for him now. The repetitions in training are paying off. His game is progressing, he is becoming more decisive in those moments.
“Confidence is key for attackers, it is the most important thing. If you doubt yourself at any time you won’t make the difference. Now he is thinking ‘I can do this, I can score’.”
Doku’s brilliant showing made him just the third player in the Premier League this season to create six or more chances and complete six or more dribbles after Bukayo Saka and Elliot Anderson.
“He is a top player,” said Brentford boss Keith Andrews. “If it’s not Doku, then someone else will step up and that is the luxury Pep has – phenomenally talented players, game changers who can decide games and that is ultimately what happened with the first goal.”
Doku dedicated his latest goal to his dad, who turned 60 on Saturday, saying: “It’s his birthday.
“I am becoming a dad soon and he sacrificed his life for me every time, bringing me to the club not knowing I would be what I am now.
“For me that’s a big thing so him turning 60, I am grateful and that is why I wanted to give this goal to him. Having him around is a blessing.”
