Kevin De Bruyne scores stunning goal against Brighton before copying Roberto Firmino's 'injured eye' celebration
Kevin De Bruyne scored yet another magnificent goal from midfield to help Manchester City beat Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.
De Bruyne rounded off the scoring with a superb strike from outside the box as City ran out 3-1 winners at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola's side took the lead midway through the first half when Erling Haaland latched onto an 80-yard pass from City goalkeeper Ederson, shrugging off the challenge from Brighton defender Adam Webster to score.
It was 2-0 before half-time. Haaland scoring again from the penalty spot after Bernardo Silva was brought down in the area to take his goals tally for the season to 22 goals from just 15 games in all competitions.
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After the break, Brighton fought their way back into the match and pulled one back when Leandro Trossard managed to beat Ederson with a well-struck shot from the edge of the box.
But just as things were starting to get nervy for the home side, De Bruyne produced a moment of magic.
Collecting the ball on the edge of the area, he curled a superb finish past Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
The Belgium international, who played with a black eye after being hit in the face with a ball in training, covered one of his eyes while celebrating the goal.
It was the same celebration that Liverpool's Roberto Firmino used against Paris Saint-Germain in 2018 after suffering a similar injury.
"De Bruyne took inspiration from Bobby with that celebration," wrote one fan on Twitter.
De Bruyne's celebration after scoring with a black eye 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Hpc7d0taNM
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 22, 2022
De Bruyne goal🚀 3-1
— MCFC BLUE FOREVER (@KDB17MCBM) October 22, 2022
pic.twitter.com/yV7Eig9pua
"He did a Firmino," added another.
While a third joked: "Always Liverpool related with this club, Bobby owns that celebration."
Victory for City moves them back to within one point of Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The Gunners will restore their four-point advantage if they beat Southampton at St Mary's on Sunday.
Topics: Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City, Brighton And Hove Albion, Premier League, Football
Rory O'Callaghan