Phil Foden scored twice in the first half as Manchester City returns to the title chase a week after their last EPL game due to other engagements. Despite the absence of Pep Guardiola’s top striker, Erling Haaland, Foden was equal to the task of sealing the big win for City as they demolished Brighton and Hove Albion in a 4-0 big win at the Amex Stadium to extend the Seagulls’ winless games to five.
Although many would have thought that the defending Champions would have the opponent’s ground hostile due to the delicate moments of the league, City found a pleasant playing ground to express their tentacles as they closed the gap with Arsenal.
Kevin De Bruyne’s eye-catching diving header was the first to set Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions on course in the 17th minute, thanks to Kyle Walker’s cross.
Less than 10 minutes into the first goal outbreak, in-form Foden registered his seventh goal in only 10 career appearances against outclassed Albion, following a deflected free-kick, and his eighth goal from a clinical first-time finish just eight minutes later.
FT: All over at the Amex.
[0-4] 📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/eYcYyvuWAP
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) April 25, 2024
However, for a chance to salvage the moment, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi responded to a pitiful opening period by replacing Joel Veltman and Adam Lallana with young defender Odeluga Offiah and forward Simon Adingra at the start of the second half.
Meanwhile, Seagulls supporters were frustrated to be denied a penalty a minute after the restart when Gross tumbled under pressure from Rodri.
Any hopes of an unlikely Albion fightback were extinguished in the 62nd minute with City’s fourth goal from Julian Alvarez.
Roving City captain Walker was released down the right, and, having cut inside Barco, he slid in to divert the ball away from Brighton keeper Jason Steele, allowing Alvarez to sweep into the unguarded net.
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