Manchester City are back to within striking distance of Arsenal after a comfortable victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.
The match was over as a contest inside 35 minutes as Kevin De Bruyne’s diving header coupled with a Phil Foden brace had the South Coast club firmly on the ropes. Julian Alvarez concluded the scoring on 62 minutes as City secured their three points.
City’s victory moves them to within a point of leaders Arsenal and also gave the Blues a much-needed boost to their goal difference which stands at +48 compared to the Gunners’ +56. After the perfect night for City, MEN Sport has taken a closer look at some of the moments you may have missed.
Walker showcases City’s elite mentality
On Wednesday night, Liverpool supporters witnessed their team crumble under the pressure as they were outfought by Everton. While Brighton seemed destined to be a tricky clash, Kyle Walker showed exactly what his team is made of in his pre-match huddle.
Sky Sports’ cameras caught Walker telling his teammates: “We all know what we have to f-ing do. It’s all about putting on a performance in the last six games and going and making f-ing history. Come on.”
From that moment onwards, City never looked like they could be doubted and it is hard to see who could stop them from making it four from four.
City dodged a bullet
In the January transfer window, City were heavily linked with Boca Juniors’ Valentin Barco. It was fitting, then, that his first full 90 minutes in the Premier League would come against the Blues.
Sadly for the teenager, he was given a harsh lesson about what it takes to make it in the Premier League. Barco was caught out for City’s third as his loose pass was intercepted by Foden to slot home and the fourth saw him easily rounded by Walker before the ball broke to Alvarez.
There is no doubt he could make a name for himself in the top flight but whether he would have been good enough for City seems unlikely on that showing.
Hardest Geezer inspiring City squad
‘Hardest Geezer’ Russ Cook has just returned from his epic charity run which saw him run the entire length of Africa. His monumental effort has inspired plenty in the UK, not least Jack Grealish, it seems.
Cook was in attendance for the game on the South Coast and was a guest of honour for Brighton – the club he supports. As City forward Grealish appeared for the warm-up before kick-off, the England international stopped to greet the runner.
Clearly somewhat taken aback while shaking his hand, the 28-year-old said: “What a legend, I’ve been watching your stuff pal, congratulations!”
