Manchester City 2 Brighton 1. City player ratings

Manchester City returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Brighton at the Etihad. The treble winners started the game in blistering form and had a 2-goal lead within the first 20 minutes. Goals from Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland gave City the perfect start. Pep Guardiola’s side would go into halftime with a 2-nil lead.

The game took on a different pattern in the second half as Brighton took the game to City. They pulled a goal back in the second half through Ansu Fati in the 73rd minute. It set up a nervy finish with Manuel Akanji sent off in second-half stoppage time. But the champions held on to pick up a vital three points.

Here are the City player ratings from the 2-1 win at the Etihad.

City Player Ratings:

Stefan Ortega- 6.5/10: Did his job well in a rare start for City’s backup keeper. Made one vital save from Mitoma just before Brighton scored. Could do little about Ansu Fati’s goal.

Kyle Walker- 5.5/10: Walker had a tough time against Kaoru Mitoma. Was one of the rare occasions where City’s captain was beaten on the day.

John Stones- 7/10: A welcome return to the starting lineup for Stones. He was all over the pitch playing at the back, plus popping up in midfield and out wide at times before being substituted.

Manuel Akanji- 6/10: Was tracking for a 7/10 performance until he was sent off in the 95th minute. Did his job well at the back until the sending-off.

Josko Gvardiol- 8/10: A faultless performance at left-back from Gvardiol. Rarely beaten at the back and was a threat in possession.

Rodri- 7.5/10: Showed immediately what was missing from the City setup while he was suspended.  A quality performance in midfield against a quality Brighton outfit.

Bernardo Silva- 7/10: A busy performance from Bernardo. Was all over the pitch when City needed him.

Phil Foden- 8/10: He gave Brighton a torrid time all over the pitch in the first half. Was Foden at his best as City dominated the opening 45. He was a constant threat over the full game and almost set up a goal for Haaland with a pinpoint ball over the top.

Jeremy Doku- 8/10: A dazzling first-half performance from the Belgian winger, faded out of the game in the second half. Set up the opener for Julian Alvarez. He gave James Milner a torrid time in the first half. Another quality display from the young winger.

Julian Alvarez- 7/10: Scored again and was full of energy before being substituted after Akanji’s red card. Was lucky with his finish for City’s opener.

Erling Haaland- 7.5/10: A quality finish for his goal. Haaland looked sharp and benefited from a game with more space than he and City are accustomed to.

Substitutes:

Ruben Dias- 6/10: Brought on for Stones as City attempted to hang on to the three points. He immediately provides a calming influence to the side when he’s on.

Jack Grealish- 6/10: Came for Doku after Brighton got back into the game. Helped calm the game down after his introduction.

Nathan Ake- N/A: Not on long enough to mark.