Man City brush Brighton aside in comfortable victory
By David Crook
There seems to be a combination of confidence and happiness inspiring this Manchester City squad.
Whilst the players were warming up before kick off, a whole kids football team sat in the family stand calling to Sergio Aguero. “Sergio, Sergio – give us a wave” they repetitively chanted for 15 minutes.
The Argentine smiled at them, encouraged them to sing louder and finally waved back. The relaxed and happy squad seem to be enjoying themselves and as we know from last season, once that begins to click, then the sky really is the limit.
City lined up today largely as expected except the section of Zinchenko for his first league start of the season. Ederson was back in goal in front of Walker, Otamendi, Laporte and Zinchenko. A midfield trio of Fernandinho, Bernardo and Silva played quite centrally throughout, expertly breaking up any Brighton breaks towards goal. Aguero, Sane and Sterling offered significant threat from attack and spent much of the match stretching the Brighton defensive lines.
The game started with some unusual Brighton pressure and they had two corners in quick succession. Both were dealt with by our excellent defence and from that point onwards Brighton threatened little, nullified and snuffed out by a combination of skill and industry.
For 20 minutes we gained momentum, pressing and pulling the Brighton side. It is to their credit that Chris Hughton had his side so well drilled in their defensive roles. The consequence of this defensive drilling was in the moments they did find themselves over the half way line they didn’t know what to do. Should they press forward or resume their position?
It was their failure to deal with their own possession which brought about the first City goal. Sane was released and running at pace into the space vacated by Brighton in midfield. Sane struck an excellent cross which was superbly turned into the net by Raheem Sterling. Brighton were carved apart numerous times then as City pressed in search of another goal to make the game safe. It didn’t come until much later but it wasnt for want of trying. Sterling brought Mat Ryan into the game and he was forced to make a couple of excellent saves. City peppered the Brighton goal.
The second goal was pure class. It still seems remarkable to me we are in the shadow of genius- our side are so good and we are striving to play such beautiful football. Aguero burst through the massed lines in midfield, evading several challenges and pulls to his shirt, his low centre of gravity ensuring the ball remained at his feet. He fed the rushing Sterling at the edge of the penalty area and he brilliantly cut the ball back to the rushing Aguero and he drilled the ball past everyone into the net. The quick passing had marooned the whole Brighton team.
Their heads dropped and Brighton largely stopped running. City decided to keep the ball in a perfect example of game management and Guardiola chose to rotate his side, trying to leave energy in the tank for the tricky looking Hoffenheim away game on Tuesday.
The game was seen out. City had 81% possession and over 20 shots on goal. Brighton have now not beaten Manchester City away on any of their 9 attempts and on this performance, it may be some time before that particular record is broken.
City have started to play with purpose. They are looking much improved both in their positioning on the pitch and control. Right now they have six wins and a draw from seven games sitting top of the table with 19 points.
Whilst there remains a long season ahead it is remarkable they have achieved this despite the continued absence of 2 of their first choice 11 – Kevin de Bruyne and Benjamin Mendy.
Last season we won the title at a canter because of our tremendous form before Christmas. This season we have so far equalled last season’ s early performances and we face the possibility of having our best team back for the crucial November, Decemeber and January period. That must truly be a frightening prospect for every other team in the Premier League.