Player Ratings: Man City Crush Brighton | OneFootball

Manchester City Keep Premier League Hopes Alive with Clinical Win Over Brighton

City’s Commanding Performance at the Amex

In a decisive clash that echoed around the Amex Stadium, Manchester City showcased their title credentials with a resounding 4-0 victory over Brighton. This result keeps the pressure firmly on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, with City just a point behind and a game in hand.

Kevin De Bruyne set the tone with a stunning diving header, before Phil Foden’s brace ensured the game was beyond Brighton’s reach by halftime. Julian Alvarez added the finishing touch after the break, compounding the misery for a Brighton side that struggled throughout the match.

Brighton’s Battle Against Premier League Giants

The game unfolded against a backdrop of high expectations for City, especially after Arsenal’s recent victory and Liverpool’s stumble in the Merseyside derby. Brighton, despite their best efforts, were simply outpaced, outmanoeuvred, and outclassed.

From the outset, City dominated possession, with Brighton’s occasional forays forward doing little to trouble Ederson in goal. De Bruyne’s opening goal, a beautifully executed header from Kyle Walker’s cross, came after just 17 minutes. Foden then quickly doubled the advantage, albeit amid some controversy over a free-kick awarded to him. His second goal, a clinical finish, effectively ended the contest before the break.

The second half saw Brighton seeking a way back into the game, but their hopes were dashed when Alvarez capitalised on a defensive mix-up to score City’s fourth. The Brighton players protested several decisions, including potential penalties, but their appeals were in vain as City closed out the game comfortably.

Key Moments and Controversies

Brighton will feel aggrieved by several contentious decisions. Early in the second half, a penalty shout for a foul on Pascal Gross was ignored, and further frustration was evident when a possible handball by Walker in the build-up to City’s fourth goal was also dismissed by the officials.

Player Ratings: A Tale of Two Teams

Brighton Player Ratings:

Manager: Roberto De Zerbi – 3

Manchester City Player Ratings:

Manager: Pep Guardiola – 8

Player of the Match: Phil Foden