'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Brighton's poor run against Manchester City continues
Brighton came into this clash against Manchester City having lost their previous seven meetings with the Citizens by an aggregate score of 21-2.
Their last visit to the Etihad ended in a 4-0 whitewash, while Raheem Sterling scored a hat-trick in their most recent 5-0 defeat at the Amex post-lockdown.
Despite not suffering another embarrassing defeat, the Seagulls were no match for the hosts and in many ways, the scoreline flattered them.
This defeat to Manchester City means that Brighton have now gone nine games without a victory in the Premier League, leaving them rooted in 17th spot.
They are just two points ahead of 18-th placed Fulham, who have two games in hand. Graham Potter has to start getting points on board to steer clear of the relegation places.
#2 John Stones continues impressive trajectory for Manchester City
It was not too long ago that John Stones seemingly had no future at Manchester City, as a combination of poor form and injuries had seen him lose his place in the starting line-up.
However, things have changed this season for the England international and he has become one of the first names on the team sheet.
He took advantage of Aymeric Laporte's absence at the start of the season to ingrain himself into the side and has now formed an almost-unbreakable partnership with Ruben Dias.
Against Brighton, Stones was at his imperious best as he made a perfectly-timed tackle to deny Neal Maupay when the Brighton forward was through on goal in the 84th minute.
In total, the former Everton man made three clearances and one interception in what was another dominant display at the back.
This latest shutout was the 10th that Manchester City had kept in their last 13 matches, and John Stones has played a major role in their defence becoming solid.
#1 Match-winner Phil Foden proving to be the difference-maker for Pep Guardiola
Phil Foden has grown in stature and confidence over the last three years, justifying Guardiola's adamant decision to keep him at the Etihad.
Having come through the Manchester City academy, Foden is currently starring in the first-team and has begun to fill some of the void created by the mercurial David Silva's departure.
Against Brighton, he showed the full range of his technique to score the winning goal despite the ball being on his weaker foot. At this rate, he would surely continue to play a key role under Pep Guardiola.
His goal took him to eight for the season, making him the highest goalscorer for the club in this campaign. Despite being only 20 years, the Stockport native is already proving to be a difference-maker.
