Manchester City took on Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad in a dead rubber clash as The Citizens have secured the title well in advance and Brighton are also safe from relegation. However, both the teams would have been looking to end their season on a high and Guardiola’s motivation would have been to touch the magical 100 point mark.
Pep Guardiola made some wholesale changes for the clash and gave a rare start to the departing old warhorse Yaya Toure. As expected, the game was dominated by City and they took the lead through Danilo after Sane made a great run from behind the half line. The Seagulls got back into the game through Leonardo Ulloa after Claudio Bravo made a costly error of judgement which allowed Davy Propper to cross the ball and Ulloa headed into an empty net. Nevertheless, City’s win was never in doubt and they got their second through Bernardo Silva.
The second half followed the similar pattern and City had close to 75 percent possession. Fernandinho added the third in the 72nd minute and City cruised through to a comfortable 3-1 victory which keeps them in line to pick up 100 points in a season.
Here is how Manchester City players fared in the game.
Claudio Bravo- 4
Got a rare start over Ederson and didn’t have much to do throughout the game, but made a costly error which allowed Brighton back into the game.
Vincent Kompany- 6
Didn’t have many defensive duties to do. Spread the ball well from the back.
Aymeric Laporte- 6
Was solid at the back and won aerial duels to keep his team in control of the game.
Oleksandr Zinchenko- 5
Antony Knockaert kept him busy once in a while and the Ukranian defender was found wanting sometimes in his battle with him.
Danilo- 8
A great performance from the Brazillian. Took his goal well and gave his team the lead. Could have scored a brace but was denied by the crossbar as he struck a brilliant freekick.
Ilkay Gundogan- 6.5
Kept the game ticking in the middle of the park and made some good late runs into the box. Unlucky to not score a goal.
Fernandinho- 7
Started as a defensive midfielder but hardly had to do any defensive duties. Distributed the ball well and scored the third with a thumping finish which put the game to bed.
Yaya Toure- 6
Farewell game for the Ivory Coast midfielder and he didn’t disappoint. Was his solid self in midfield and hardly gave away the ball.
Leroy Sane- 8
Kept the left side of Brighton’s defence occupied and made some great darting runs. Provided an assist for the first goal after he made a run from behind the half line and released Danilo with a through-pass.
Bernardo Silva- 7
Made a case for himself on why he can be a regular starter for them next season. Finished well for his goal as he beat Mat Ryan on his near post.
Gabriel Jesus- 5
Tried hard but didn’t manage to get on the scoresheet. His work rate was up to the mark.
Substitutes
Benjamin Mendy N/A
Brahim Diaz N/A
Lukas Nmecha N/A
