Manchester City secured their fourth Premier League title in just eight years after securing a 4-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this afternoon. It was a dream start for Brighton when Glenn Murray scored the opener just before the half-hour mark. The veteran skipper used his physical and aerial prowess to latch onto an inviting cross from Pascal Gross. But, Manchester City showed incredible resolve to level the scoreline within a minute through Sergio Aguero. Aymeric Laporte then made it 2-1 with a thumping header in the 38th minute.
The visitors piled on more pressure on Brighton in the second half. And it wasn’t long before they scored their third through a superb strike from Riyad Mahrez. That was before Ilkay Gundogan put the final nail in the coffin with an exquisite free-kick to seal all three points as well as the title for the Sky Blues.
Here is how Pep Guardiola’s men fared in their thumping win over the Seagulls.
Ederson 6
Had no chance to stop a close-range header from Murray in the first half. Had very little to do afterwards, with Brighton producing only two shots on target.
Kyle Walker 7.5
Stayed back and helped out the defence on many occasions. A resilient defensive display from the England international.
Vincent Kompany 8.5
Marshalled the defence like a true leader, winning several challenges and instilling stability in the backline. Received a lengthy standing ovation from the crowd after being substituted late in the second half.
Aymeric Laporte 9
Made a few crucial interceptions to prevent Brighton from initiating any counter-attack opportunities. It was his thumping header for the second goal that set the platform for what followed.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 8
The Ukrainian starlet was very useful in his attacking forays down the left flank. Offered extensive attacking support, which was crucial in maintaining his side’s dominance over the hosts. Should have done a lot better in marking Murray for the opener, however.
Ilkay Gundogan 9.5
Bossed the game throughout the ninety minutes. The German international was given a lot of freedom in midfield – allowing him to calmly pick passes in the final third and put more pressure on the Brighton defenders. Scored from an exquisite free-kick to cap off a magnificent display.
Bernardo Silva 8.5
Put in a great shift in midfield as he was deeply involved in City’s attacking game. He was also wary of his defensive duties and tracked back whenever necessary. He will undoubtedly play a vital role for the Sky Blues next season.
David Silva 9
Had a rusty start to the game, notably misplacing a couple of passes. But, the Spaniard improved as the game wore on. His subtle touch in the first-half, cleared Aguero through for the opener while the veteran midfielder also delivered tons of key passes. One of the best performers this afternoon.
Riyad Mahrez 8.5
Mahrez probed the Brighton defence but to no avail in the first half. However, he looked livelier in the second half, and his curling effort to beat Mat Ryan for City’s third was one of the goals of the afternoon.
Sergio Aguero 8
It was a rather quiet afternoon for Aguero, who was closely watched by the defensive duo of Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk. However, the Argentine showcased his poaching skill when he capitalised on David Silva’s perfectly weighted ball to level the scoreline in the 27th minute.
Raheem Sterling 8
It was not the most productive match from the English international. But, he looked menacing whenever he was on the ball and got in-behind the Brighton defence on many occasions.
Substitutes
Kevin de Bruyne N/A
The Belgian replaced David Silva in the 78th minute and provided some neat passes in the final third.
Nicolas Otamendi N/A
The 86th-minute substitute for Kompany as Pep Guardiola opted for fresh legs in defence.
Danilo N/A
Replaced Walker with just two minutes remaining on the clock.
