Player Ratings: Manchester City 3-1 Brighton (Premier League)

In a tight and tense encounter at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City beat Brighton to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.

The match looked won by the half-time interval, as Erling Haaland latched onto a long pass from Ederson to round Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and tap home, before firing in a terrific penalty after Lewis Dunk’s foul on Bernardo Silva.

The visitors rallied in the second period though, and after they had put Manchester City under pressure for a sustained period, Brighton pulled a goal back with Leandro Trossard’s powerful effort catching Ederson out at his near post.

The game looked to be in the balance at that point, but then up stepped Kevin de Bruyne.

The Belgian international collected Bernardo Silva’s pass and sent a looping shot into the top corner, sealing the win for the Blues.

Here’s how we rated the players in Manchester City’s hard-fought win against Brighton!

Starting XI

Ederson - 7

A very mixed match for the goalkeeper. He launched a great pass to Erling Haaland for the first goal, and denied Leandro Trossard in a one-on-one, but also should have done better on Brighton’s goal.

Manuel Akanji - 6.5

Didn’t look totally comfortable at right back. Defended mostly well, but seemed laboured on the ball.

Ruben Dias - 7

Not the more involved centre back. Didn’t do a lot wrong over the 90 minutes.

Aymeric Laporte - 7.5

A strong return to starting Premier League action. Did a lot of good defensive work and almost scored too.

Joao Cancelo - 7

Will be grateful of a less headline-worthy display than last week against Liverpool. Contributed fairly well going ways.

Rodri - 6.5

Like Manuel Akanji, just didn’t seem to be at his best. Alright on the hall but should have closed down Trossard for his goal.

Bernardo Silva - 8.5 (MOTM)

A trademark Bernardo Silva performance. The Portuguese international midfielder was everywhere both in and out of possession, and claimed an assist too.

Kevin de Bruyne - 7.5

Not everything went his way in the first half, but you can’t keep him quiet for long. A superb finish to wrap up the game.

Riyad Mahrez - 6

One beautiful nutmeg in the middle of the pitch aside, it was another ineffective display from Mahrez before his substitution an hour in. Missed a great chance to score.

Erling Haaland - 8

No goals last week, and only two this week - what’s happened?! In all seriousness, the Norwegian was back to his rampaging best, netting another two goals.

Jack Grealish - 6.5

Not the most involved display from Grealish, who mostly featured as a possession outlet and was subbed fairly early.

Substitutes

Phil Foden - 7

Injected some much-needed vibrancy into the performance.

Cole Palmer - 6.5

Still isn’t quite clicking for him in front of goal, but more good wing play off the bench.

Julian Alvarez - No time to mark.