Guardiola lauds Doku’s decisive leap in form ahead of crucial Brentford clash at the Etihad | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has praised Jeremy Doku for an 'amazing' season at Manchester City and has backed the winger to continue improving.

Doku scored a brilliant brace asManchester City drew 3-3 at Everton on Monday night, including a stoppage-time equaliser to earn the visitors a point at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Belgium international's double was only his third and fourth goals of thePremier League campaign, but Guardiola has been pleased with the 23-year-old's development this season.

He believes Doku has raised the overall level of his game, adding vital goal involvements and defensive work rate to his explosive one-vs-one dribbling.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's fixture with Brentford, Guardiola was asked for the reason for Doku becoming increasingly decisive in the final third.

"The manager, always! When the players play good it's because of the manager, when they players play bad it's because of them," the Spaniard joked at his pre-game press conference.

"I'm so glad. I'm so glad they're making the step and feel that the winger had to score and make an impact not just an extra one against one. The goals, the assists, also contributing defensively... yeah. Jeremy has been amazing this season. Amazing."

Guardiola: Manchester City braced for 'difficult' Brentford challenge

Manchester City host Brentford at the Etihad aiming to put the pressure onPremier League leaders Arsenal. The Cityzens are five points adrift of the leaders, with a game in hand. However, Guardiola's side face a Brentford team chasing European qualification. Currently seventh in the Premier League, Guardiola said he has been hugely impressed by the West Londoners.

"So good. Not easy to replace Thomas (Frank) so incredible season. Clear what they do and difficult to challenge them. But yeah, same time, three games left and Etihad and go for it.

"I love to play at home, what can I say. So hopefully they can come and put pressure on Arsenal. Winning our games is all that we can do."