Manchester City returned to winning ways on Saturday thanks to a 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
Erling Haaland was, of course, on the scoresheet at the Etihad, he scored a first-half brace to go alongside Kevin De Bruyne’s excellent strike after the break, while Leandro Trossard scored for Brighton.
City weren’t at their best against the Seagulls, and it was the hosts who started the game slowly. In the opening quarter of the game the only chance of note was one blazed over by Danny Welbeck following a poor pass from Ederson.
But after 22 minutes Haaland, who had been quiet up until that point, netted the opener. The Norwegian latched onto a long ball down field from Ederson. The Norwegian got there a split second before Brighton keeper Robert Sanchez, who then collided with Lewis Dunk before Haaland nudged Adam Webster off the ball and knocked it into the empty net.
City had two soft penalty appeals turned down but a third claim was awarded in the latter stages of the first half after Bernardo Silva was tripped in the box by Dunk, although it took a few minutes from the foul being committed to the spot-kick being awarded following a lengthy VAR check. It was Haaland who stepped up and blasted the ball past Sanchez and into the back of the Brighton net.
City opened the second period with Riyad Mahrez forcing a good save from Sanchez following a Kevin De Bruyne breakaway. But seconds later the ball was in the hosts’ goal after Brighton pounced on a Manuel Akanji error that presented the ball to Solly March. Brighton’s No.7 advanced forward and then laid it back to Trossard at the edge of the box, and the Belgian fired in a powerful effort that squirmed past Ederson at his near post and gave the Seagulls a lifeline in the game.
From there, Brighton were on top and Ederson denied Trossard after the winger poked an effort at goal following a lengthy dribble. Haaland then went close for City before Aymeric Laporte headed wide from a corner.
But at a crucial stage of the game, De Bruyne produced a moment of magic to remove any hopes of a Brighton comeback. On 75 minutes the midfielder received a pass from Silva around 25 yards from goal. City’s No.17 looked up and arched a shot over Sanchez and into the back of the net. The Etihad enjoyed the replays on the big screen as De Bruyne produced another reminder of his skill and class, despite Haaland’s growing role in this team.
There were a few late half chances for the Blues but the latter stages were quiet with the points wrapped up. Here’s how we rated the players.
1. Ederson- 5
Did brilliantly for Haaland’s first goal, but had a few nervy moments in goal. The keeper will be disappointed with his reaction for Trossard’s goal.
2. Manuel Akanji- 5
Probably his poorest display so far in sky blue. Akanji found Trossard to be a tricky opponent and should have done better for Brighton’s goal.
3. Ruben Dias- 7
City’s best defender on the afternoon, and the former Benfica man won some important headers.
4. Aymeric Laporte- 6
Made some important interceptions and, in general, played well.