During the international break, Manchester City was determined to move past their loss to Arsenal. Falling behind in the championship race was not an option, and Pep Guardiola’s team needed to end their losing streak to stay competitive. Guardiola’s lineup choices reflected his concerns about the recent losses in various competitions.
Goalkeeper Ederson was benched after returning from Brazil, and Stefan Ortega started his fourth league game in fifteen matches, breaking Ederson’s streak of 62 consecutive starts. Guardiola also made changes in defense and midfield, replacing Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic, and Rico Lewis. Notably, the starting lineup against Arsenal included a new goalkeeper, two center-backs, and two central midfielders.
John Stones made his first start of the year, and Rodri returned after serving a suspension. Guardiola’s decision to change the spine of the team, which struggled against Arsenal, seemed to pay off as City secured a much-needed victory against Brighton with two first-half goals.
Erling Haaland, known for his shooting prowess, scored a spectacular goal from outside the box, his second long-range goal for City out of 61 total goals. This demonstrated his threat even from a distance, emphasizing his versatility as a striker. This performance marked a return to form for Haaland after two scoreless league matches, hinting at a potential expansion of his goal-scoring repertoire.
The return of Rodri to the lineup was pivotal for City. The team had suffered losses in his absence, highlighting his importance. His presence stabilized the midfield, allowing players like Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva to excel in their roles. John Stones’ return added defensive strength, possibly returning City to the successful lineup of the previous season.
Guardiola acknowledged Rodri’s significance, and his absence was felt by the team. The manager also highlighted that Rodri had learned from his past red card and was more disciplined. Guardiola’s tactical acumen was evident as he outplayed Brighton’s experimental formation in the match, thwarting their end-to-end style of play and exploiting their vulnerabilities.
Manchester City not only avoided an unwanted record of three consecutive league losses but also set a new Premier League record with their 21st consecutive home victory in all competitions. This remarkable streak surpassed Manchester United’s previous record of 20 consecutive home wins set in the 2010-2011 season. City’s dominance in the Premier League extended to their impressive home performance, and if they can improve their away form, they will be strong contenders for additional trophies in the upcoming season.
Looking ahead, City faces Young Boys in the Champions League, where they can take a significant step towards advancing from their group. They will also prepare for a crucial away derby against Manchester United. While their home performance is unquestionable, addressing their away form will be key to their success in pursuit of more silverware.
