With goals from Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland in the first half, Manchester City defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday to get back on track.
After two straight league losses, City was well on its way to triumph, but Ansu Fati’s goal for Brighton in the 73rd minute made for a tense conclusion at the Etihad Stadium.
However, City persevered to secure a record-breaking 21st straight home victory in all competitions.
After excellent work by Jeremy Doku, Alvarez scored the game’s first goal with a scuffed shot in the seventh minute.
As City dominated the first half with crucial midfielder Rodri returning from suspension, Haaland capitalized on sloppy Brighton play to score City’s second goal after 19 minutes.
City ought to have increased their score, but Brighton kept things intriguing with a goal from Fati, and the hosts finished with 10 men as Manuel Akanji was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time.
The Manchester derby is next week without Akanji.
With 21 points from nine games following their victory, defending champions City are once again in first place, but Arsenal might overtake them if they defeat Chelsea in a later game.
After over ten minutes of added time, both City’s players and manager Pep Guardiola—who had never lost three straight league games in his career—appeared to be relieved.
Brighton, which slid to seventh place, deserves praise for the manner they stretched the hosts after such a terrible start even though City were not at their most proficient.
“We suffered for 20 minutes but in the end, there was a moment that made us feel composed,” Guardiola stated.
“After setbacks, this performance was crucial. I give Roberto de Zerbi, the manager of Brighton, credit for their great performance. The team deserves praise for winning.
Jack Grealish, who in as a replacement, was once more outperformed by Doku, whose blistering pace and cunning proved to be a perpetual thorn in Brighton’s side.
Although Alvarez’s shot was far from clean, it managed to elude Jason Steele thanks to his teaser run down the left and cutback.
Guardiola described Doku as an “exceptional winger.” “Really happy for his effect since he came into us.”
When Brighton botched a throw-in deep inside their own half, Haaland, who had gone nearly a month without scoring for City, didn’t need a second invitation to break the drought. The Norwegian was then given space to shoot past Steele for his 45th Premier League goal in 44 games.