Digimagaz.com – Manchester City showcased their class as they defeated Brighton 2-1 in a Premier League match during the 2023/2024 season on Saturday night. Playing at the Etihad Stadium, Man City displayed dominance to overcome a challenging Brighton side. The visitors fought hard, but Manchester City proved to be the stronger team.
This time, Manchester City took an early lead with goals from Julian Alvarez (7′) and Erling Haaland (19′). Brighton managed to narrow the gap in the second half through Ansu Fati’s goal (73′). These three crucial points help maintain their fierce competition at the top of the Premier League table.
Match Summary
Brighton started the game with high intensity, but Manchester City immediately responded. In the 7th minute, Doku evaded the defense on the right side, delivering a precise cross to Alvarez inside the penalty box, resulting in a goal. The shot soared into the top of the net, making it 1-0 for Manchester City.
In the 19th minute, Manchester City swiftly doubled their lead. The high pressing line employed by Manchester City paid off, with Silva intercepting the ball and passing it to Haaland, who sprinted into the penalty box and scored. The score became 2-0 in favor of Manchester City.
The quick two-goal lead by Manchester City made it challenging for Brighton to develop their game. Until the 30th minute, Brighton’s attacks were not threatening. As the first half entered its final five minutes, Brighton attempted to build attacks from the back, but effectively countered them with their high pressing line. The first half ended with the score 2-0 in favor of Manchester City.
Brighton had more freedom with the ball in the early stages of the second half. De Zerbi’s squad continued their efforts, but by the 60th minute, both teams were locked in midfield battles. In the 68th minute, Had a clear opportunity as Foden found Haaland with a precise pass. Brighton’s defense was in disarray, but Steele managed to make a good save from Haaland’s shot.
In the 72nd minute, Brighton equalized. Mitoma weaved into Manchester City’s penalty box and delivered a cross. Initially directed at Akanji, the ball eluded the Man City defender and fell to Ansu Fati, who scored. The score was now 2-1 in favor of Man City. Conceding the goal altered Manchester City’s playing style.
Josep Guardiola’s squad increased their tempo to seek a third goal and secure the victory. Brighton struggled to maintain possession, and no additional goals were scored until the end of the match. Even ten minutes of added time were insufficient for Brighton. The final score was 2-1 in favor of Man City.
Lineups
Manchester City (4-2-3-1), Coach: Josep Guardiola
Stefan Ortega; Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, John Stones (74′ Ruben Dias), Kyle Walker; Rodri, Bernardo Silva; Jeremy Doku (75′ Jack Grealish), Julian Alvarez (90′ Nathan Ake), Phil Foden; Erling Haaland.
Brighton (4-2-3-1), Coach: Roberto De Zerbi
Jason Steele; Solly March (90′ Paul van Hecke), Igor Julio, Lewis Dunk, James Milner (46′ Joel Veltman); Pascal Gross, Carlos Baleba (66′ Billy Gilmour); Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck (16′ Evan Ferguson), Simon Adingra; Joao Pedro (65′ Ansu Fati).
