Haaland has another victim! Man City winners, losers & ratings as Erling bludgeons Brighton

Erling Haaland:

The Norwegian’s goal droughts only last a single game at City. 

Haaland drew a blank against Liverpool last week but again his response was instantaneous for the Premier League champions. 

In a tight game against a well-organised Brighton side, the opening goal was crucial and he took it brilliantly with his power and pace bulldozing the Seagulls aside. 

His second was a penalty and he could have even had another spot-kick but for the vagaries and mysteries of the VAR. 

Kevin De Bruyne:

So often opponents are killed off with an assist from the Belgian, but this time he did it all by himself. 

With a two-goal advantage, De Bruyne slalomed through the Brighton defence, using his strength to hold off a number of strong challenges to tee up Riyad Mahrez. 

But when the Algerian’s effort was well-saved, an unlikely comeback from the visitors was alive. 

De Bruyne ended any hope for the Seagulls with a sumptuous 30-yard strike that teased Robert Sanchez all the way as it passed over his head and into the top corner. 

Bernardo Silva:

With the exception of Haaland’s signing, Bernardo’s decision to remain at the Etihad Stadium was one of the biggest moments of City’s summer. 

The Portuguese midfielder was an absolute pest at Anfield last weekend and his fighting spirit annoyed Jurgen Klopp so much, the German's protestations earned him a red card. 

For a player wanting a move elsewhere, Bernardo's spirit is indefatigable and his passion was crucial in City digging deep when Brighton threatened a comeback. 

But that was just a part of his performance, with his quality opening up the visitors, including winning the penalty with a decisive run.  

Riyad Mahrez:

A 60-second spell at the start of the second half completely changed the direction of the match. 

Firstly, Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliant driving run created a chance for Mahrez but, 10 yards out, his drilled shot was stopped by Robert Sanchez. 

Brighton went straight down the other end of the pitch to pull a goal back through Leandro Trossard to set up a tense passage of play. 

A clinical finish would have killed off the clash and Mahrez seemed to recognise that fact as he received a yellow card two minutes later and he was then replaced by Phil Foden shortly after. 

Liverpool:

After all the emotion and acrimony of last week’s victory over City at Anfield, six days on Klopp’s side have undone all their hard work. 

Ahead of the game, Guardiola said he had more faith in the Reds than Klopp. Perhaps the German was right all along, however, with defeat at Nottingham Forest meaning a title win looks well out of their reach at this moment.

City’s first Premier League defeat of the season could have knocked them out of their stride but so often in his seven years in charge, Guardiola has got a response from his players.

They did so again with a solid performance, while the inconsistencies of Liverpool are making their challenge difficult. 

VAR:

There were two penalty decisions that VAR checked and yet again no one could reasonably guess which way they would go.

When Haaland went past Robert Sanchez, the Brighton keeper clearly stood on the back of his foot, but after Craig Pawson waved away appeals, he was not ordered to check the monitor.

It felt like much more of a convincing shout than the spot-kick that was awarded by VAR moments later after Bernardo Silva went down under Lewis Dunk's stray leg.

Once again, it feels like pot luck which way the decisions will go and a lack of consistency continues to be a frustration for players and fans alike, with both sets of supporters united by a four-letter chant about the technology. Need we say more?

Ederson (6/10):

A brilliant assist for Haaland’s opener but should have done better to keep out Trossard’s strike. 

Manuel Akanji (6/10):

Gave the ball away in the build-up to Brighton’s equaliser with a sloppy piece of defending and was turned on another dangerous attack. 

Ruben Dias (6/10):

Strong defensively as he stopped the visitors from having too many meaningful sights on goal. 

Aymeric Laporte (7/10):

The left side of the defence always looks secure with the Spain international in the team and he looks fully up to speed after his knee surgery in the summer.

Joao Cancelo (7/10):

Quickly put last week’s error behind him with a return to the dynamic attacking wing-play that makes defences more worried about his threat. 

Rodri (6/10):

Was a focus for Guardiola’s instructions as Brighton tried to flood the midfield but he was still a big influence on the game. 

Bernardo Silva (8/10):

Won the penalty in the six-yard box and was defending in his own area shortly after in another non-stop performance. 

Kevin De Bruyne (8/10):

His exquisite long-range finish took the sting out of what was becoming a tense afternoon. 

Riyad Mahrez (6/10):

A frustrating season encapsulated in one performance as his confidence gradually fell away.

Erling Haaland (8/10):

Yet again his goals were the difference as he provided the ruthlessness that was required in such a tight affair. 

Jack Grealish (6/10):

Started strongly with a number of decisive runs but his influence faded when Tariq Lamptey came on at half-time.

Phi Foden (7/10):

Instantly brought some pep and energy when he came on in the second half.

Cole Palmer (5/10):

Neat and tidy without any dangerous moments. 

Julian Alvarez (5/10):

His fresh legs kept Brighton’s centre-backs switched on.

Pep Guardiola (7/10):

It felt like a chess match at times as he and Roberto De Zerbi moved their players around the pitch but ultimately Guardiola worked out how his team could find the spaces to create opportunities.