In a tight and tense encounter at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City beat Brighton to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.
The match looked won by the half-time interval, as Erling Haaland latched onto a long pass from Ederson to round Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and tap home, before firing in a terrific penalty after Lewis Dunk’s foul on Bernardo Silva.
The visitors rallied in the second period though, and after they had put Manchester City under pressure for a sustained period, Brighton pulled a goal back with Leandro Trossard’s powerful effort catching Ederson out at his near post.
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The game looked to be in the balance at that point, but then up stepped Kevin de Bruyne.
The Belgian international collected Bernardo Silva’s pass and sent a looping shot into the top corner, sealing the win for the Blues.
Here’s how we rated the players in Manchester City’s hard-fought win against Brighton!
Starting XI
Ederson - 7
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A very mixed match for the goalkeeper. He launched a great pass to Erling Haaland for the first goal, and denied Leandro Trossard in a one-on-one, but also should have done better on Brighton’s goal.
Manuel Akanji - 6.5
Didn’t look totally comfortable at right back. Defended mostly well, but seemed laboured on the ball.
Ruben Dias - 7
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Not the more involved centre back. Didn’t do a lot wrong over the 90 minutes.
Aymeric Laporte - 7.5
A strong return to starting Premier League action. Did a lot of good defensive work and almost scored too.
Joao Cancelo - 7
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Will be grateful of a less headline-worthy display than last week against Liverpool. Contributed fairly well going ways.
Rodri - 6.5
Like Manuel Akanji, just didn’t seem to be at his best. Alright on the hall but should have closed down Trossard for his goal.
Bernardo Silva - 8.5 (MOTM)
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A trademark Bernardo Silva performance. The Portuguese international midfielder was everywhere both in and out of possession, and claimed an assist too.
Kevin de Bruyne - 7.5
Not everything went his way in the first half, but you can’t keep him quiet for long. A superb finish to wrap up the game.
Riyad Mahrez - 6
One beautiful nutmeg in the middle of the pitch aside, it was another ineffective display from Mahrez before his substitution an hour in. Missed a great chance to score.
Erling Haaland - 8
No goals last week, and only two this week - what’s happened?! In all seriousness, the Norwegian was back to his rampaging best, netting another two goals.
Jack Grealish - 6.5
Not the most involved display from Grealish, who mostly featured as a possession outlet and was subbed fairly early.
Substitutes
Phil Foden - 7
Injected some much-needed vibrancy into the performance.
Cole Palmer - 6.5
Still isn’t quite clicking for him in front of goal, but more good wing play off the bench.
Julian Alvarez - No time to mark.
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Brighton And Hove Albion
Hamish MacRae