Neal Maupay was again at the centre of controversy on Monday night after becoming embroiled in a heated spat with Manchester City captain Kyle Walker.

Seven days on from the furore surrounding the Brentford striker’s darts goal celebration at Tottenham, he left Walker enraged with a comment towards the end of City’s 3-1 victory.

The England international was calmed down by Pep Guardiola after the pair had exchanged words and the City boss declined to discuss the incident afterwards.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank was not forthcoming either and did not speak to Maupay about the row.

‘No, I saw they were talking to each other,’ Frank said. ‘It’s not my first focus after a game that we lost.’

Brentford striker Neal Maupay (centre) was at the heart of controversy yet again after being seen in a verbal spat with Man City captain Kyle Walker (second from the left) on Monday night

Phil Foden inspired City to a victory that took them within two points of leaders Liverpool with a game in hand - against the Bees in a fortnight.

Guardiola claimed that Foden is Kevin De Bruyne’s natural heir as the academy product continues to impact matches and now has 14 goals in all competitions this term.

‘There is space to take over from Kevin and Bernardo (Silva) in the future,’ Guardiola said. 

‘It’s experience, the experience he gets. And then he will lead. Now he’s being led.

‘Phil is playing the most influential season in the team in terms of goals and assists. He’s like a knife. I’ve only seen a few like that.

‘He will decide his own limits. If he focuses he will have a long and successful career. But it depends on him. If he can focus then he can achieve whatever he wants.’

Maupay enraged Tottenham midfielder James Maddison after mimicking the England star's darts celebration in north London last Wednesday.

The Bees striker cheekily celebrated his 15th minute goal by copying Maddison's renowned dart throw routine in front of the Tottenham fans, with Brentford team-mate Ivan Toney following in on the act.

A huge darts fan, Maddison has been performing the celebration since his days at Leicester - and did not take kindly to the 27-year-old's antics.

Maddison patted Maupay on the back of the head, before the Brentford man more forcefully tapped the England star on the chest.

The Tottenham playmaker had his hand on the back of Maupay's neck as the pair exchanged words before the Brentford star walked off with a smirk on his face.

Meanwhile, Walker was left on the Manchester City bench for the first time in the league this season during the champions' 3-1 win over Burnley.

The City captain, who split with his wife Annie Kilner, 30, last month after fathering a second child with Lauryn Goodman, hailed City boss Guardiola for standing by him during the difficult period. 

Kilner announced that she would be 'taking some time away from Kyle' after 13 years together in light of his alleged infidelities. It has been reported that Walker is 'struggling' after their separation.

Walker heaped praise on 'unbelievable' Guardiola for being so 'understanding' and also revealed how England manager Gareth Southgate reached out to offer his support last week.

The defender also admitted he was tempted to 'escape' the UK to Bayern Munich in a £15million deal, but decided against the move in an effort to stay close to his children.

Speaking of Guardiola's support, Walker told The Sun: 'He didn't know what was happening. I didn't want to tell him because I didn't want him to think I wasn't mentally there. 

'I can't thank him enough for the understanding and belief he's shown in me through four years.

'I tried to escape. Did I want to leave City? No, of course I didn't. We're the best team in the world at the minute. But it was a chance to get away from England and the media I was going to get.

'I was aware the clock was ticking. I came very close to moving. We were having conversations. I was going to a great club, a massive club. But in the end I couldn't go.'

Walker returned as captain against Brentford and played 90 minutes for the 21st time in 23 league games this campaign.

The champions host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday before the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash against Copenhagen next Tuesday.