Aguero fires lacklustre

SERGIO AGUERO was on target as Manchester City denied Brighton any hope of a shock on their Premier League debut.

Pep Guardiola’s side, for all their riches, took time to get into their groove in a win at the Amex Stadium.

But the moment they did, it was ruthless as Aguero struck 20 minutes from time.

Lewis Dunk turned Fernandinho’s cross through goalkeeper Mathew Ryan’s grasp and into his own net soon after wards as City prevailed after previously being frustrated.

There was some intricate build- up play and Gabriel Jesus twice found the net only for the strikes to be ruled out, once for handball and once for offside.

The Brazilian also had a point-blank header saved.

Twenty years after facing extinction and following a 34-year absence from the top flight, Brighton are a Premier League club.

The Seagulls have recent history with City, knocking them out of the League Cup on penalties at the Withdean Stadium in 2008.

Guardiola, who hopes the lavish expenditure will be a one- off, fielded three of his new boys from the start.

Full-backs Kyle Walker and Danilo played as wing-backs and Ederson was a virtual spectator in goal for much of the contest.

Br ighton, meanwhile, started £ 10million Dutch midfielder Davy Propper – their club record signing until the deal to capture Colombian Jose Izquierdo from Club Brugge is completed.