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Man City crush Brighton to maintain title charge
Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to a single point after Phil Foden's first-half double helped inspire a resounding 4-0 victory over Brighton. Kevin De Bruyne's eye-catching diving header set Pep Guardiola's reigning champions on course for a comprehensive success at a soggy Amex Stadium. City, who have a game in hand on the table-topping Gunners, were in complete control by the break as Foden moved past 50 top-flight goals with a quick-fire brace, before Julian Alvarez completed the rout in the second period. In-form Foden now has eight goals in only 10 career appearances against outclassed Albion thanks to a deflected free-kick followed by a clinical first-time finish just eight minutes later. Albion, whose persistence in playing out from the back contributed to their downfall, had reason to feel aggrieved about the England midfielder's first strike due to him going down under minimal contact from Lewis Dunk following a nibble from Jakub Moder. But Roberto De Zerbi's 11th-placed hosts could have few complaints about their winless run stretching to five games as City deservedly leapfrogged Liverpool into second spot and moved within touching distance of Arsenal, while giving their goal difference a timely boost. City resumed their title defence after scraping past Chelsea to reach the FA Cup final on the back of crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid. Manager Guardiola warned his title-chasing side faced one of their toughest tests of the seasons in Sussex and, with top scorer Erling Haaland once again unavailable due to injury, made three changes. The visitors eased their way into the contest before edging ahead in the 17th minute thanks to a moment of magic.
