Aymeric Laporte says Manchester City’s win at Brentford was the perfect end to 2021, but has urged his team-mates to stay focused after opening up an eight point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Phil Foden’s strike sealed a 10th consecutive victory in the competition for City and extended our advantage at the top of the table after Chelsea dropped points in their 1-1 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion.

It means Pep Guardiola’s men head into the new year in great form as we bid to defend the title we won last May and whilst Laporte feels City can be satisfied with our efforts over the last 12 months, he says we must maintain our work in 2022.

“Yes, [this is the perfect way to end 2021],” he said after the win at Brentford.

“We’re very happy with our position in the Premier League. We have to keep working, staying focused on what we have to do to win the Premier League.

“It is what we will do and we’re very happy with everything in 2021.

“We are very happy to be first at the moment. We want to stay focused to win every single game.”