25/04 - 20:00
A dominant first-half performance in which Manchester City scored three goals ensured all the points for the Citizens against a spirited Brighton team.
Action: It was fourth place hosting third place at the Amex. Graham Potter's side have impressed so far this season but came into this game following three draws on the bounce. Meanwhile, Manchester City enjoyed a midweek trip to Belgium where they thrashed Club Brugge 5-1.
Pep Guardiola's team dominated from the start and took the lead after just 10 minutes, but Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sánchez will have to shoulder the blame. Sánchez came to collect a ball but dropped it after being challenged by Gabriel Jesus. Bernardo Silva was first to it and Ilkay Gündoğan was there to easily tap the ball home.
Admirably, Brighton did their best to stick to their game plan, but City were a constant threat on the break. The pace of Gabriel Jesus, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden providing to be a real issue for the Seagulls.
And that's exactly how City scored their second. Bernardo Silva intercepted the ball in midfield and fed in Grealish who was away with plenty of space. Grealish squared the ball for Foden to guide the ball home.
Four minutes later, the ball was in Brighton's net again. Bernardo Silva started a counterattack once again and this time Gabriel Jesus did well, his shot eventually deflecting off of Foden. Sánchez got a hand to it but it wasn't enough.
After the break, Brighton were much improved - no longer committing suicidal errors while playing out of defence. Marc Cucurella in particular was impressive from the home side whenever they broke forward.
Brighton had the majority of the ball in the second half and eventually got a reward when Leandro Trossard played Enock Mwepu in. Ederson came out to claim the ball but took Mwepu out instead. The Brazilian did get a hand to Alexis Mac Allister's penalty, but there was enough power in the shot for Brighton to grab a deserved goal.
The home side couldn't build on that goal though, and conceded once again just before full time. Foden was involved again, this time providing an assist for substitute Riyad Mahrez to finish after Brighton were dispossessed on the edge of their own area.
Big Picture: City dominated the first half, and you felt that if they had needed to they probably would have done that same in the second. Instead, they were able to take their foot off the gas. Although Brighton are a tricky opponent, the Citizens made it look easy.
Brighton shouldn't be too disheartened though. While they were often their own worst enemies when playing out from the back, they did well to stick to their guns against a team that was simply too good for them.
Man of the Match: Bernardo Silva. It's a close decision between Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva but, the Portuguese midfielder was vital in the first half at intercepting the ball and finding Foden, Grealish, and Jesus in acres of space.
xG: Brighton (1.35) 1-4 (3.27) Man City
Stat of the Day: Phil Foden has been directly involved in three goals (two goals, one assist) in a single Premier League game for the very first time.
