Manchester City scored twice in the final twenty minutes to earn a hard-fought victory over newly-promoted Brighton and Hove Albion to kick-off their Premier League campaign.
Sergio Aguero broke the deadlock on 70 minutes and moments later Lewis Dunk headed into his own net, under pressure from Gabriel Jesus.
The title favourites had dominated possession in the first-half, but struggled to break down a stubborn Brighton defence. And, when an opportunity did open up, Brazilian striker Jesus could only head straight at Mathew Ryan from a matter of yards.
City’s frustrations increased after the restart when Aguero missed a gilt edged opportunity. However, it mattered little as the Argentine made amends shortly later - Kevin De Bruyne capitalised on Dale Stephens' mistake as he found David Silva, who slipped the ball through to Aguero with a first-time pass, with the striker making no mistake in front of goal.
Brighton’s defensive plan had been on point, until they conceded. And five minutes later City struck again when Dunk towered above Jesus but inadvertently headed in from Fernandinho’s teasing cross.
Chris Hughton’s side will aim to bounce back when they travel to Leicester next Saturday, while Manchester City host new-look Everton a day later.
Latest Stories
-
US inflation rises as tariffs drive up prices
27 minutes -
Yemen postpones execution of Indian nurse on death row
39 minutes -
World’s ‘oldest’ marathon runner dies at 114 in hit-and-run
50 minutes -
Nigeria bids farewell to former leader Buhari with burial in home state
1 hour -
London Mayor leads historic trade mission to Ghana and Africa to deepen investment and cultural ties
1 hour -
Drug possession: Court refuses trader bail for the second time
1 hour -
Study finds high levels of arsenic, mercury in Keta Lagoon, triggers public health alarm
2 hours -
World’s top sugar maker shuts large Brazil plant to cut debt
2 hours -
‘Empty promises, failing policies’ – Dr Amin Adam blasts NDC’s ‘fanciful governance’
2 hours -
Dr Mohammed Amin Adam: NPP must re-group quickly as NDC policies fail
2 hours -
NPP must re-group fast as NDC’s economic promises crumble – Dr Amin Adam fires
3 hours -
Cocobod warns of production drop amid heavy rains
3 hours -
Shippers’ Authority drags shipping lines before BoG over exchange rate abuse
3 hours -
Shippers’ Authority blocks arbitrary fee hikes with new regulatory powers
6 hours -
Cedi to remain broadly stable in coming months; gained 30% against dollar since January 1
6 hours