2024-04-25 21:30:46
Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez both scored against Brighton. Toby Melville / REUTERS
In this late match of the 29th day, Manchester City crushed Brighton (0-4) thanks to a double from Foden and a magnificent header from De Bruyne.
With four points behind Arsenal, and two games in hand, Manchester City could not afford to drop points at the American Express Community Stadium. This match, which promised to be a trap against Brighton, turned into a stroll for Pep Guardiola’s men, who returned to one point behind the leader after this victory (0-4).
De Bruyne, the spirit of Van Persie
However, Brighton held on well to the start of the match. Thanks to good pressing, the Seagles prevented Manchester City from approaching the area and made their opponent run with a game of short restarts. A game plan which collapsed when Walker crossed for De Bruyne at the edge of the penalty area. The Belgian attempted an unusual diving header worthy of Robin Van Persie, who sent the ball into Steele’s top corner (17th). Barely two minutes later, Dunk missed the equalizer (19th) from a corner, an opportunity which would have changed the rest of the match.
Foden nails the show
On a solitary rush, Foden slipped a few centimeters from the surface and allowed Citizen the opportunity to double the lead with a generous free kick. The Briton took justice into his own hands with a shot blocked by the back of Gross, who deceived Steele who had already gone to his right (26th). Still in the match, Brighton followed their game plan and once again tried to restart short with several passes into their penalty area. Unrewarded risk-taking. Barco’s pass to Baleda was intercepted by Bernardo Silva. With one touch, Foden buried the suspense (34th)
Brighton failed to react
Returning from the locker room, De Zerbi’s players tried to get back into rhythm and could have obtained a penalty on a borderline intervention from Rodri who held Gross by the arm (47th). Behind, the Citzens kept control of the game without panicking and scored a 4th goal with a two-pass goal. Ederson with a 60m throw found Walker, particularly available on his right wing. The full-back tackled at the end of the race to hand over to Alvarez, scorer for the first time since January 31 against Burnley (62nd). Brighton could have unlocked their counter by Joao Pedro on a solo rush (69th) or on a two-man strike to score the goal where he was unable to target Igor’s offering (85th). Without success.
Apart from one last opportunity for Doku (90+3), Manchester City controlled the end of the match. The Citizens will travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday April 28, while Brighton continue a fifth match without a win and will try to revive at Bournemouth.
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