Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden put on a first-half clinic as Manchester City beat Brighton 4-0 in the Premier League to go within a point of leaders Arsenal.
De Bruyne headed the visitors in front 17 minutes in before Foden proved the champions were not missing the injured Erling Haaland by bagging City’s second – albeit through a deflected free-kick.
But there was no debate over the ownership of the visitors’ third goal as Foden struck sweetly in the 34th minute to put his side three up before half-time.
Julian Alvarez netted the fourth just after the 60-minute mark, firing home after Kyle Walker’s determined lunge put the ball into the Argentine’s path.
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City’s rabid pressing and dominant display reflected a side that were playing with fury and hurt after being dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid last week.
De Bruyne’s header was magnificent and the Belgian channelled his inner Robin van Persie as he threw himself towards the ball with a dive and watched as it looped over Jason Steele.
Rate that first-half performance from Phil Foden out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PIC.TWITTER.COM/FL0RDECEBE
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) APRIL 25, 2024
There were question marks over the validity of City’s free-kick – won by Foden – that led to their second as replays suggested the England international went over easily.
But the 33-cap international took his opportunity to double the scoreline and it was more than deserved after their electric start.
Bernardo Silva spoke during the week about how the lack of rest between games was becoming a serious problem for players and while he may have a point, there was no signs of wear in the well-oiled City machine.
Foden’s frantic pressing forced Brighton into a mistake in the build-up to his second and he had the experience to slot calmly into the far corner with his left foot.
The Seagulls came out with renewed energy in the second half and had a few half chances through Joao Pedro and substitute Simon Adingra.
But the game would not have any dramatic turns and Alvarez thrust the Amex Stadium into silence with his first goal in 10 matches, capping off a successful night for the reigning champions.
Manchester City are slowly CREEPING up against Arsenal as Julián Álvarez scores their 4th goal of the evening 👀⚽ PIC.TWITTER.COM/FOQBJYQDCP
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) APRIL 25, 2024
City close the gap
Arsenal extended their lead at the summit to four points before City travelled to the South Coast but De Bruyne and Co find themselves in a strong position with less than a month to go.
The Gunners travel to Tottenham for a mouthwatering North London Derby on Sunday while City take on Nottingham Forest in the Midlands.
Last season’s Treble winners will know the outcome of the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before they play the Tricky Trees and should Mikel Arteta’s men drop points, they will have the chance to return to the top and have a game in hand on them and Liverpool.
Meanwhile, the Reds go to West Ham and anything but a win will completely end their aspirations of winning the title for the first time since 2020.
