The two will meet in the League next weekend, and the chance for one to put daylight between the other. Focusing on our previous match though, what lessons do we take away from that result and overall performance.
Slow Starters:
Despite the eventual result, and domination of the stats, we cannot ignore the first fifteen minutes of the game. Despite Manchester City being at home we were much the slower to get into the rhythm of the game. If we begin in a similar way against Liverpool, or even Chelsea, we may find ourselves punished.
That said, once we did start to find our flow, we were unstoppable. The final ball was missing but you could certainly sense the visitors would not be heading in at half time level.
Smooth In The Opposition Half:
Pretty much all the stats you would expect City to dominate, they dominated. 80% possession, with most of that in the Brighton half. Ederson may have even taken to letter writing during the game as he probably missed being able to talk with anyone close to him.
Almost 30 shots throughout the game, although only eight were on target. Brighton were chasing shadows for the majority of the game had players talking of being tired after the whistle. Frustration among the opposition can be seen with the share number of fouls committed on the City team. Ten fouls with three yellow cards could even be seen as lenient from the referee, Lee Mason. But when you are playing against a side who enjoy over 800 passes, four times the amount you have, it's always going to be a long day.
Zinchenko Promise:
Decided to stay and fight for his place this season could see him be the Fabian Delph of this season for City. Offering a solution to a problem Manchester City didn't know they had at the beginning of the season, involving the same player no less.
Injured last season, of course, Mendy was sidelined and Pep went with Delph after not being impressed with other options, including trying Leroy Sane in that role. Now, out injured again, Mendy is apparently frustrating Guardiola with his behavior both on and off 'the clock'.
Showed great form going forward while he has seemingly grown with his defensive vision and decision making. I still am not sure how he will stack up against some of the tougher tests City will face, but these last two performances have done him no damage.
Own Worst Enemies:
I had spoken earlier of our domination of the game, but it could have all been for nothing. There was just that one looping header Ederson had to deal with, but easily could have been a Brighton penalty. A weird jump from Fernandinho saw the ball hit his hand before being cleared.
Yes it would have been a harsh decision to have given that, but we certainly have seen those types given before. It would have given Brighton hope of being able to do something in the game and maybe some doubts in our own minds had the kick been given.
Missing Key Players (Not):
While we certainly cannot wait for Benjamin Mendy and Kevin De Bruyne to return, we certainly are getting the job done without them. The Lyon result aside, Manchester City have a strength in depth they didn't last season.
Despite only Mahrez coming in, you have a returning Benjamin Mendy, which is like a new signing. Aside from those two you have a bunch of players who are growing and improving, with this season seeing a reinvigorated Sergio Aguero.
Otamendi and Kompany are now seemingly backups to Laporte and Stones, which is not a bad option to have. Bernardo Silva is finding his feet in the Premier League and showing himself to be a wonderful signing.
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