Premier League: Erling Haaland helps Manchester City get back to winning ways

Manchester City hit back from successive defeats to secure a much-needed 2-1 victory over a dangerous Brighton side at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s team had slipped from the top of the table after successive defeats to Wolves and Arsenal before the international break but found some form again to beat the Seagulls.

Julian Alvarez smashed the hosts ahead after just seven minutes from Jeremy Doku’s cutback before Erling Haaland made it two with a left-footed strike from 18 yards. Doku was a constant menace down the left wing and gave veteran James Milner a torrid time.

A goal from Barcelona loan signing Ansu Fati for the visitors set up a nervy finish, but City held on despite a late red card for Manuel Akanji.

“Against Brighton it’s impossible to control the game for 90, 95 minutes – no team in the world can do that,” said City manager Pep Guardiola. “I’m surprised that we did it for 55, 60 minutes.

“We played an exceptional first half. We had more chances, we were aggressive in the link with the strikers.

“In the second half they closed the space. They are really good and when they have the ball it is almost impossible to take it. We suffered for 10, 15, 20, 25 minutes and then there was a period at the end of the game as well.

“After two defeats the performance was important but I give credit to Roberto (De Zerbi). When you see their games, his team is exceptional. They have a lot of injuries and that’s why I have pride in the team for the victory.”

21 - @ManCity have won their 21st consecutive match at the Etihad Stadium in all competitions since the start of 2023, setting a new record home winning run by a Premier League club. Imperious. pic.twitter.com/0iMq0vr9Pk

Elsewhere, Luton showed their battling