Having suffered consecutive league defeats against Wolves and Arsenal before the international break, Manchester City would be keen to return to winning ways on Saturday as they welcomed Brighton to the Etihad Stadium.
MCI: Ortega; Gvardiol, Akanji, Walker; Rodri, Stones; Doku, Silva, Álvarez, Foden; Haaland
BHA: Steele; March, Igor, Dunk, Milner; Groß, Baleba; Mitoma, Welbeck, Adingra; João Pedro
The Citizens got off to a bright start in East Manchester, with Julian Álvarez finding the back of the net after just seven minutes with a stunning effort floated over Jason Steele following delectable buildup play from Jérémy Doku.
Ten minutes later, Erling Haaland ended his brief goalless drought, capitalising on a midfield mistake from Carlos Baleba to dispatch a left-footed rocket past the Brighton goalkeeper.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut Brighton did well to remain in contention, and a disciplined second half performance saw the Seagulls reduce the deficit as Ansu Fati pounced on a dismal clearance from Manuel Akanji to claw one back for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
The Spaniard’s strike certainly put Manchester City on edge, but despite Kanji’s stoppage-time dismissal for a second bookable offence, Pep Guardiola’s men were able to see out a cagey victory and bring an end to their run of defeats.
Manchester City travel to BSC Young Boys’ Stadion Wankdorf in midweek, with Brighton hosting Ajax on the South Coast. The Citizens must then prepare for a Manchester Derby next weekend, with Brighton hosting Fulham.
