Manchester City put on a dazzling display as they breezed past Brighton with a commanding 4-0 victory, closing the gap to just one point behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. Phil Foden stole the show with a brace, guiding Pep Guardiola’s side to a crucial win at the Amex Stadium on Thursday.
The match burst into life early on as Kevin De Bruyne rose to head City into the lead, setting the tone for an imperious performance from the visitors. Foden then took center stage, netting twice before the halftime whistle, effectively sealing the fate of the encounter.
Missing their talisman Erling Haaland due to injury for the second consecutive game, City showed no signs of slowing down. Julian Alvarez ended his goal drought with a well-taken strike after the break, ensuring Haaland’s absence wasn’t felt too keenly.
“It is a good result for us, really good,” Guardiola commented after the match. “We know the margins are so tight. We have to win every one. Each game we are closer.”
The victory was further sweetened for City by Liverpool’s surprise defeat to Everton and Arsenal’s dominant win over Chelsea in previous fixtures, keeping the title race finely poised.
With a game in hand over both Arsenal and Liverpool, City have the destiny of the title firmly within their grasp. Guardiola’s side will be eyeing an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League crown if they can maintain their form in the remaining fixtures.
City’s recent performances have been nothing short of remarkable, with at least four goals scored in each of their last four league outings. Guardiola, however, remains cautious, acknowledging the unpredictability of the league: “What happened to Liverpool, two defeats in a row, it can happen to Arsenal, it can happen to us.”
Next in line for the title contenders is a trip to Nottingham Forest for City, while Arsenal faces a tough test against Tottenham. Guardiola has voiced concerns about the fixture schedule, citing its toll on player health and performance.
Despite Brighton enjoying a longer break leading up to the match, City showed no signs of fatigue. De Bruyne’s early header set the tone, followed by Foden’s clinical finishing and Alvarez’s contribution to seal the comprehensive victory.
City’s dominance was evident throughout the game, with their relentless pressing and fluid attacking moves causing havoc for Brighton’s defense. Foden’s brace, coupled with De Bruyne’s opener and Alvarez’s goal, highlighted City’s strength in depth and ability to cope in the absence of key players.
As the title race intensifies, Manchester City’s convincing win sends a strong message to their rivals: they are determined to reclaim the Premier League crown once again.
