Arsenal fans left fuming after watching what happened before Phil Foden goal vs Brighton

Fans were left fuming about one thing when Manchester City scored their second goal of the evening against Brighton & Hove Albion.

City travelled to the south coast on Thursday evening knowing a win would keep them in control of the Premier League title race.

Pep Guardiola's side flew out of the traps, with Kevin De Bruyne producing a superb diving header to give his side the lead. The Belgian had never scored a header in the Premier League before.

Phil Foden soon doubled the lead with his 50th Premier League goal, but Arsenal and Liverpool fans were left fuming.

City were awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area, but it looked like Foden slipped rather than being fouled.

The 23-year-old found the back of the net via a deflection, rubbing salt in the wounds of Arsenal fans praying for a Brighton win.

"Foden slips, gets a free kick, City score to kill the game. Like clockwork. Shocker, once again," one furious Gooner posted on X, while another commented: "Ref hesitated and gave it cos city players surrounded him, what happened to being carded if you surround the ref? Does that not apply to City?"

A third fan said: "The officiating is really dreadful. How was that a free kick?" while another complained: "Foden slips and it’s a free kick for him in a dangerous position..Lmao."

Foden bagged his second and City's third 10 minutes before half-time, curling the ball into the bottom corner of Jason Steele's goal after young debutant Valentin Barco gave away possession inside his own box.

Provided City don't surrender their 3-0 lead, Guardiola's side will move up to second in the table, one point behind Arsenal and with one game in hand.

The reigning champions will be two points ahead of Liverpool, again with one game in hand.