facebooktwittertelegramwhatsapp
copy short urlprintemail
+ A
A -
webmaster
DPA
London
Manchester City picked up their seventh consecutive win in all competitions as they beat Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 on Wednesday to climb to third in the Premier League.
Phil Foden put City ahead just before half-time and though Raheem Sterling missed a penalty in time added on, the home side held on for victory.
City are now four points behind leaders Manchester United and one behind Liverpool, with a game in hand on both.
Manager Pep Guardiola admitted Brighton made life tough for his team.
“We had a really good first half and had chances. After we missed a really clear chance in the second half they were better,” he said.
“We need to win these sort of games. It is a good lesson for us.
Every game will be like this.” Yet again, Foden showed his worth, the England midfielder scoring the only goal into the bottom corner after finding space, something he does as well as anyone.
And even a missed penalty, when Sterling blasted over the bar after Kevin De Bruyne was fouled, did not take away from Guardiola’s pleasure, especially with Foden.
“Phil Foden is 20 years old, look at the starts,” Guardiola said.
“The amount of games, the assists compared to the bigger stars in football. Can play both sides, in the middle as a false nine. He is so clever in front of goal. That is why he deserves to play.” Brighton remain 17th, three points above the relegation zone, but manager Graham Potter was encouraged by his side’s performance.
“We are disappointed to come away with nothing,” he said. “We met a top team. I’m so proud of the players. You have to suffer here, that’s how it is. We tried to attack.
“You need everything to go your way if you’re going to get anything here. Second half was really good, really spirited. We pushed a very good team all the way.” “I really enjoyed the performance, the spirit. They had a go. We were organised. We had an idea of what we wanted to do. There was a lot to be proud of.” Tottenham were due to face Fulham in the night’s other match.
copy short url   Copy
14/01/2021
548