Man City must break Manchester United record to avoid unwanted Pep Guardiola first vs Brighton

Kevin De Bruyne had just scored a wonderful goal to see off a spirited Brighton side and record a useful three points for Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola wasn't happy.

"We struggled a bit, it's one of the toughest games you could face at the moment," he said last season, turning a positive 3-1 win into a clear message for his players to improve. "But [it’s] three points after the defeat at Anfield."

Guardiola described City as lucky to have De Bruyne's quality to win the game, and described the performance as resilient. He admitted that City had to change their style of play to combat Brighton, who were winless under new manager Roberto De Zerbi. Guardiola sounded like his side had just been beaten, and he talked up De Zerbi as a coup for Brighton - with his high praise justified in light of the Seagulls' subsequent form.

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After a defeat away at their title rivals last season, City dug deep to beat a stubborn, innovative Brighton side. They will have to do exactly the same this weekend following the 1-0 setback at Arsenal two weeks ago.

City arguably struggled more against Brighton last season over their two meetings than any other side. The draw at the Amex Stadium came after the Premier League title was secured, but that shouldn't take away from Brighton's performance. Before that trip, Guardiola described De Zerbi as 'one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years.'

"There is no team playing the way they play - it's unique," he added. "I had the feeling when he arrived the impact he