Manchester City 2-1 Brighton Hove Albion: Erling Haaland on target as Champions get back to winning ways

Manchester City returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Brighton at the Etihad Stadium, with Erling Haaland scoring his ninth Premier League goal of the season.

The prolific Norwegian striker scored his 45th goal in 44 league appearances on 19 minutes after Julian Alvarez had converted Jeremy Doku's cutback 12 minutes earlier for a well-deserved City lead.

After losing 2-1 at Wolves and 1-0 at Arsenal in the league before the international break, Pep Guardiola will be pleased with his team's ability to avoid a third straight league defeat.

If the first half was a sobering experience for Roberto De Zerbi's beleaguered Brighton team, which has shipped 18 goals in nine league games, he will be happier with the second half, as substitute Ansu Fati finished off a fine counter-attacking move on 73 minutes to give his side renewed hope of an unlikely point.

The sight of Solly March being stretchered off in agony in the dying moments after an untimely fall to the ground was more concerning for Brighton.

City also had Manuel Akanji sent off in added time for a second yellow card, but they held on for a crucial three points.

The hosts reclaimed first place in the Premier League table before London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal meet later on Saturday evening.

SportsLigue