O Manchester City thrashed the Brighton this Thursday (25), away from home, 4-0. The match was valid for the 29th round of the Premier League, in a duel that was late. The goals were scored by De Bruyne, Foden (two) and Julián Álvarez.
With the result, City reached 76 points, surpassing the Liverpool, who has 74, and took second place. O Arsenalwho leads, has 77. It is worth noting that Guardiola’s team has one game less than the two opponents in the fight for the title and, therefore, only depends on themselves to be champions.
This Thursday’s duel was decided in the first half. With just over half an hour of play, the match, which started evenly, was already 3-0 for the visitors. The rout was consolidated in the second half, despite some good moments from Brighton, especially with Brazilian João Pedro.
The game
Brighton had the first shot just two minutes into the game. Foden lost the ball in the backfield and Welbeck shot at Ederson’s goal, who made the save. The home team tried to play, despite the pressure from City, which pushed the opponent.
The game’s scenario changed in the 16th minute, when the Cityzens managed to open the score. Foden threw it to Walker on the right. The full-back crossed and De Bruyne dived in with his head, like a fish, to score a great goal.
The home team could have equalized two minutes later, with a header from Lewis Dunk, which went well, but stopped at Ederson.
At 25, with a free kick near the edge of the area, Foden hit with his left leg, the ball deflected off Gross and deceived goalkeeper Steele. It was the second goal for Guardiola’s team, which, from then on, completely dominated the match.
The advantage increased at 32. Brighton’s defense tried to escape inside the area, while City advanced their marking. After many touches, Barco missed the pass and was intercepted by Bernardo Silva. The ball fell to Foden, who hit it first time, into the goalkeeper’s corner, and scored the third.
Manchester City frequently went down the right side, with Walker, and Brighton were unable to find their footing until the end of the first half.
The home team returned to the second stage ready to reduce their advantage. In the first minute, Gross tried to invade the area, shared space with Rodri and fell asking for a penalty. The referee ordered to continue. At seven, Brazilian João Pedro, through fits and starts, also managed to invade City’s defense, but was intercepted by Ederson.
The Cityzens returned the attacks after 13 minutes. Argentine Julián Álvarez finished and stopped at goalkeeper Steele. Two minutes later, with another shot, he sent the ball over the goal. On the third attempt, the goal finally came. Ederson launched from the defensive area to Walker. The full-back cut Barco, shared it with Steele and the ball was cleared for Álvarez to score the fourth goal.
At 24, João Pedro tried again to score an honorary goal for Brighton. After turning and feinting at least two markers, he invaded the area, gave Aké a ‘cow dribble’ and was brought down by Gvardiol. Again the home fans asked for a penalty, but the referee was not even called by VAR.
The Brazilian had the best chance at 39. The number 9 started from the left, played with his compatriot Igor Julio and managed to finish in the small area, alone, but sent it to the left of Ederson’s goal.
Despite the attempts, the score remained at 4-0 and Manchester City secured three more points.
Premier League standings
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1st – Arsenal – 77 points; 34 games
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2nd – Manchester City – 76 points; 33 games
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3rd – Liverpool – 74 points; 34 games
Brighton’s next games
Bournemouth (F) – 04/28, at 10am (Brasília time) – Premier League
Aston Villa (C) – 05/05, at 10am (Brasília time) – Premier League
Manchester City’s next games
Nottingham Forest (F) – 04/28, at 12:30 pm (Brasília time) – Premier League
Wolverhampton (C) – 04/05, at 1:30 pm (Brasília time) – Premier League
Tags: Bruyne scores City thrashes Brighton remains contention Premier League trophy
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