PHIL OF CHEER
FODEN STRIKE HAS CITY BREATHING DOWN NECK OF UNITED AND LIVERPOOL
PHIL FODEN scored the only goal as Manchester City moved closer to Manchester United and Liverpool with a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Brighton last night.
Foden netted his eighth of the season just before half-time – a superb low strike from the edge of the box – as City maintained their recent climb up the table with a fourth successive league win.
City are just four points off United, and one behind Liverpool, with a game in hand on both.
It should have been more comfortable for the hosts as Raheem Sterling missed a late penalty, Bernardo Silva hit the woodwork and keeper Robert Sanchez made a number of outstanding saves.
But the visitors were unable to capitalise on the reprieves and, even though they remained in the contest, they rarely threatened and could not force an equaliser. City are now unbeaten in 14 matches and building momentum although, as football comes under increased scrutiny, their celebrations may attract criticism amid the coronavirus pandemic.
With Gabriel Jesus on the bench and Sergio Aguero isolating, City again started the match without a recognised centre-forward.
But they created plenty of chances in the first half. Kevin De Bruyne had some of the best of them, first going through on goal after exchanging passes with
Ilkay Gundogan but Sanchez stood up well. Sanchez saved again from De Bruyne after City broke following a Brighton corner and the hosts finally claimed a deserved lead a minute before the break. Typically De Bruyne was involved, finding Foden outside the area but the goal owed all to the brilliance of the 20-year-old, who claimed the pass in his stride and took out a defender with a clever first touch before steadying himself and firing home at the near post.
In the second half City remained well on top. Riyad Mahrez shot wide and Gundogan brought another good save out of Sanchez before Silva thumped the rebound against the post.
Brighton stayed in the game right until the end. City should have killed it off in injury time, though, as Sanchez brought down De Bruyne but substitute Sterling blazed over from the spot.
One goal was enough. Right now, many pundits and fans will have City down as title favourites.