Manchester City 4 Brighton 0: City player ratings as the champions click into gear

Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City emphatically beat Brighton 4-nil at the Amex Stadium in a crucial Premier League fixture for the world champions. The win sees Pep Guardiola’s side move to within one point of Premier League leaders Arsenal, but Manchester City has a game in hand on Mikel Arteta’s side. The champions now need 5 wins from their remaining 5 games as it stands currently to make it four consecutive Premier League titles.

Pep Guardiola made three changes to the team that beat Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final last Saturday. The changes had the desired effect as Manchester City effectively ended the game by halftime. First half goals from Kevin De Bruyne and a brace from Phil Foden sent the champions on their way to a crucial three points in a 17-minute burst in the first half.

After Manchester City came to grips with Roberto De Zerbi’s tactics, they took control of the game. Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring with a sublime diving header from a Kyle Walker cross. Phil Foden doubled City’s advantage in the 26th minute from a free kick, which deflected past Jason Steele in the Brighton goal. The England international then made it 3-nil in the 34th minute after some excellent pressing from the champions forced Brighton into an error as they attempted to play out from the back. Foden calmly slotted the ball past Steele to effectively end the game as a contest. Manchester City took a 3-nil lead into the interval after one of their best halves of football of the season.

Brighton made a better fist of it in the second half, but in truth, Manchester City took their foot off the gas as they cruised to an emphatic victory. However, there was time for Julian Alvarez to get on the scoresheet in the 62nd minute. A sublime long ball from Ederson played through Kyle Walker, and his hard work paid off as he laid the ball off for Alvarez to grab himself a well-deserved goal for his performance. The champions expertly managed the final stages of the game following the goal from Julian Alvarez.

Attention now shifts to Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday for Pep Guardiola’s side. They appear to be hitting their stride as they seek 5 more victories to claim a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title this season.

Here are the City player ratings from a massive victory for Manchester City.

City player ratings

Ederson-7.5/10: Rarely called into action in goal, but his passing was sublime all night. His ball to set up City’s fourth was absolutely sublime.

Kyle Walker-7.5/10: City’s captain was sloppy in possession on a couple of occasions but picked up two assists. His energy and runs forward were a feature throughout.

Manuel Akanji-7/10: Another no-nonsense display from Akanji. He’s had a brilliant season and showed that again tonight.

Nathan Ake-7/10: A typical Ake performance. Did his job well.

Josko Gvardiol-6.5/10: Wasn’t at his usual high standards of recent performances but did his job.

Rodri-7/10: Another polished performance from Rodri. Did his job before being substituted.

Mateo Kovacic-8/10: An outstanding display from Kovacic. Was one of City’s main driving forces from midfield.

Kevin De Bruyne-8/10: Scored an outstanding header to open the scoring and was a threat throughout. Looks in good form for the run home.

Bernardo Silva-8/10: Did the grunt work in midfield so his teammates could prosper. Others will get the headlines, but Bernardo was outstanding.

Phil Foden-9/10: Scored a brace in another brilliant performance from Foden. He’s on another level right now and is one of the best players in the game on form as he put in a man-of-the-match display.

Julian Alvarez-8/10: Another busy performance and was rewarded with a goal. Worked his backside off all game and looks back to his best.

Substitutes

Matheus Nunes- 6/10: Made one guy busting run in his brief appearance.

Jack Grealish-6/10: Got through unscathed after coming on with 20 minutes to go.

Rico Lewis-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.

Sergio Gomez-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.

Jeremy Doku-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.