Manchester City resumed their normal service as Pep Guardiola’s men cruised to another victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League at Etihad Stadium.
A brace from Erling Haaland and a scorcher from Kevin De Bruyne was enough as City bounced back from their disappointing defeat at Anfield in sumptuous style. Brighton did put one back through Leandro Trossard but the Seagulls will be disappointed with their display as they are yet to lodge a win under their new manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Haaland took control of an aerial ball from Ederson which got through all the Brighton defenders. The former Borussia Dortmund forward rounded off Robert Sanchez and then floored Adam Webster to maintain his scoring streak.
He was again called upon as Bernardo Silva was tripped inside the box by Lewis Dunk and the referee surveyed the footage before pointing out to the spot. Sanchez barely had a chance as the monstrous forward powered it to one corner.
Brighton got back into the game as an Ederson mistake saw Leandro Trossard beat him as the visitors tormented the home side for a brief period. But Kevin De Bruyne was there again in the thick of things as he connected his shot pretty sweetly to one corner.
The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Pep Guardiola’s men.
Ederson: 6/10
The Brazilian goalkeeper emulated his Brazilian counterpart Alisson’s trick as he registered an assist for Erling Haaland’s first strike. But an error saw him conceding a very rare goal at his near post as Leandro Trossard reduced the deficit for the visitors. The former Benfica man became the third keeper after Jordan Pickford and Alisson to assist a goal this season.
Manuel Akanji: 4/10
Terrible outing for the Swiss defender who was asked to deputise in an unconventional right-back position. Trossard manhandled him on a couple of occasions and also wrong-footed him at the time of the goal. Should be back to his natural role.
Ruben Dias: 6/10
Decent bit of defending from the Portuguese defender as his dominance continued to grow in the game.
Aymoric Laporte: 7/10
A solid game for the Spaniard who is having a seamless transition following his lengthy injury haul. His precise passing could be dangerous if met with the desired intent.
Joao Cancelo: 7/10
Was back in the left-back role but didn’t have the desired impact on the game as Brighton players had a strict mark on the Portuguese.
Rodri: 7/10
The destroyer sprayed passes all around and dissected a number of Brighton attacks as he disrupted their buildup several times. Won all of the duels he contested.
Kevin De Bruyne: 8/10
Showed once again why he is regarded as the best midfielder in the league. Killed the game with a superb long ranger. His incisive passing was hard to pick up and City will need more of them in upcoming matches.
Bernardo Silva: 7/10
Ran his heart out and won a cheeky penalty which was duly converted by Haaland. Also, set up De Bruyne for the winner.
Riyad Mahrez: 5/10
The Algerian couldn’t make it count as he huffed and puffed to battle it out with the Brighton defenders. Had a golden chance to register his name on the scoresheet but was thwarted away by the Seagulls’ keeper.
Erling Haaland: 8/10
Compensated with two goals as the Norwegian is back to his best after a dull game against Liverpool.
Jack Grealish: 5/10
Had some opportunities but did very little.
Substitutes
Phil Foden: 6/10
Settled well after coming on.
Cole Palmer: N/A
Didn’t play enough to guarantee a rating
