Mahrez struck with a 39th minute penalty to score for the seventh successive game after Raheem Sterling had been brought down to send Pep Guardiola’s side in at the break holding the advantage.
And De Bruyne then sealed the deal with fine 69th minute effort from another Bees error to secure our 19th league win of the season and move us 12 points clear at the top of the table.
Just as in December’s clash in the capital, the Bees proved obdurate opponents and made City work hard to find space and openings in a cagey first 30 minutes.
Gradually however, the champions and league leaders began to impose ourselves on proceedings.
We served a first notice of intent on the half hour.
Mahrez was the architect, teasing in a low curling cross into the six-yard box with Bees keeper David Raya just deflecting the ball away from the on rushing Raheem Sterlingbefore Joao Cancelo fired the follow-up over the bar.
Another patient move then saw Sterlingspectacularly fire a diving volley narrowly over as latched onto an exquisite Fodendelivery into the box from Stones’ instant lay-off.
City were knocking on the door and it was Aymeric Laporte’s turn to go close on 36 minutes. The central defender was found in space 10 yards from Dias’ neat header but sent his left foot shot just inches wide of the target.
The breakthrough finally arrived on 39 minutes from man of the moment Mahrezwho expertly converted from the penalty spot.
A Brentford mix-up at the back saw Sterlingseize possession and drive into the box only to be brought down by Mads Roerslev.
Referee Darren England instantly pointed to the spot and Mahrez needed no second invitation to slot home the spot kick as he found the target for the seventh straight game and took his tally for the season to 16.
However, City then had a major scare just before the break after an unlucky Stones slip saw Rico Henry find space on the left edge of the box.
Having exchanged passes with Ghoddos, he whipped in an inviting ball into the heart of the box for the onrushing Sergi Canos but Ederson came out bravely to avert the danger, taking a blow to his neck for his troubles.
Striving for the all-important second goal Cancelo demonstrated some nifty footwork on 54 minutes waltzing past three defenders only to fire straight at Bees keeper Raya.
Brentford remained a threat on the break though and City were relieved to see Frank Onyeka’s 60th minute flick shot gathered by Ederson after and a fine move from the visitors.
But City would not be denied and the crucial second did arrive on 69 minutes via De Bruyne – and it was from another Brentford error.
Raya’s attempted pass out was intercepted by Sterling on the edge of the box but the Bees keeper partially redeemed himself by blocking the shot.
However, De Bruyne pounced on the follow up superbly drilling home from 18 yards to double City’s advantage.
Raya then produced a fine effort to tip away Cancelo’s low drove as City sought to extend our advantage.
But though we couldn’t add a third, it was job done and another vital three points in the account.
Up until this season penalties had occasionally caused a touch of consternation for City over the past year or so – but in Riyad Mahrez we have found a man with the coolness and composure to shoulder the big responsibility.
Another successful conversion from 12 yards made it six penalties out of six for the Algerian this season and it was the seventh straight game where he has found the target.
In the wake of his brace against Fulham at the weekend, which included another nerveless penalty, Pep Guardiola was quick to praise Mahrez’s ability from the spot.
“In the last year we struggled with penalties and now he is a guarantee. He has the personality to take the ball and do it,” the manager declared.
And the 30-year-old further amplified those words with his latest penalty poise further illustrating that he is arguably in the best form of his City career.
A deadly finish from 12 yards again demonstrated that he is also proving to be City’s man on the spot whatever the circumstances!
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