Phil Foden’s first-half finish secures victory for Pep Guardiola’s side against Brighton
Phil Foden’s strike proved enough to secure a 1-0 victory for Manchester City against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Pep Guardiola’s men were on top early on with Kevin De Bruyne denied three times by Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and Riyad Mahrez miscuing a volley.
With half-time approaching Foden made the breakthrough when he eased a clever side-footed shot into the bottom corner.
City continued to dominate but were profligate.
Mahrez went close again after a fine pass from Rodrigo, Gundogan and De Bruyne were denied by Sanchez, and Bernardo Silva hit the bar.
Brighton came close when a fierce strike by Alexis Mac Allister whistled narrowly over.
In stoppage time, substitute Raheem Sterling blazed a penalty over the crossbar after De Bruyne had been brought down by Sanchez.
Man City are third with 32 points, level with Leicester City and Everton. Brighton are 17th with 14 points.
Next fixtures
Man City: 17 Jan v Crystal Palace (H)
Brighton & Hove Albion: 16 Jan v Leeds (A)
