Two Man City players might have guaranteed starts vs Real Madrid with Brighton performances

When Riyad Mahrez unlocked Brighton's strong resistance, he might have scored one of his most important goals of the season. On his 250th Premier League appearance, he notched his 23rd goal of the season in a campaign that Pep Guardiola said Manchester City don't have a 20-goal-a-season striker.

He's turned up for the big moments in the absence of such a striker though, and made himself undroppable for the big games coming up against Real Madrid. Guardiola says he's not thinking that far ahead yet, but Mahrez's involvement shouldn't take much thought when that time comes.

There were occasions City could have done with a striker against Brighton, especially when someone in a crossing position had to check back with nobody in the area. Yet this side are relentless in their persistence and more often than not, Mahrez has become the go-to for something to happen. He wasn't at his best here, but proved decisive once again.

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Only John Stones and Joao Cancelo played every minute in City's four games with Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. So it was no surprise to see Stones replaced after 77 minutes when the Blues had a two-goal cushion. As the board went up, every outfield player made their way to Stones to pat him on the back or shake his hand as he was replaced by Aleks Zinchenko.

Stones was faultless against Brighton, and has been a standout in the previous high-profile games - something his teammates were keen to recognise. Even with Ruben Dias back, Stones should have earned his place when Real Madrid visit the Etihad next week, assuming he recovers from the muscle tightness that saw him replaced.

City were the dominant team at the