Manchester City cruise to victory over managerless Brighton & Hove Albion | OneFootball

Manchester City have made it eight wins out of eight in all competitions with a 3-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at The Academy Stadium this afternoon.

All of Manchester City’s goals came in the first half with Veatriki Sarri’s early own goal being followed by efforts from Julie Blakstad and Laura Coombs. Brighton & Hove Albion pulled a goal back at the death through Lee Geum-min.

The visitors came out with plenty of confidence but they were quickly silenced by a Manchester City side who have been full of goals in recent weeks.

Chloe Kelly twice went close in the opening stages before the England international created the game’s opening goal with her third opportunity. The forward whipped in a corner kick and the ball found the back of the net via visiting player Sarri.

Khajida Shaw then headed wide from close range before Blakstad made it 2-0 with a diving header, the Norwegian getting on the end of a Kelly cross.

Manchester City established a three-goal lead inside half an hour when Blakstad battled to pass the ball to Coombs and she impressively picked out the top corner of the Brighton & Hove Albion net from 20 yards.

The hosts went close to adding to their lead early in the second half but Deyna Castellanos saw her close range effort come back off the post. The same player troubled the Brighton & Hove Albion goal again later in the half but visiting keeper Megan Walsh blocked her shot on the turn.

The closing stages were played out almost in training ground mode. Blakstad did miss one good chance for Manchester City when she scuffed a shot over from close range before the visitors pulled a goal back with virtually the last kick through Lee.

The result sees Manchester City cement fourth position in the Barclays Women’s Super League table ahead of next weekend’s Manchester derby against neighbours Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium. Brighton & Hove Albion drop to 11th place, although they do have a seven-point cushion on bottom club Leicester City.