There haven’t been many matches between Manchester City and Brighton that could be labelled a ‘classic’; in fairness, there haven’t been many matches between the two at all. But one match in particular stands out and for that, we travel back in time to 2019 and a final day meeting with the Seagulls.
It had been well documented that no team had retained the Premier League title since the Stretford Rangers in the 2008/09 season, and City had never won back-to-back titles in their history. When the Blues
lost 2-1 at Newcastle at the end of January, they were in second place, four points behind league leaders Liverpool.
An incredible winning run of 12 matches made up the ground on the Mersey Reds. Their final home game of the season against Leicester was a tense affair, until Vincent Kompany scored an absolute screamer with 20 minutes remaining to put the Blues one point clear.
The final day saw City travel to the south coast while Liverpool had a home fixture against Wolves. With the City score at 0-0, Sadio Mane opened the scoring at Anfield, putting the Reds a point ahead of City. Ten minutes later, their supporters were in heaven as Glenn Murray headed Brighton in front at the Amex Stadium.
Blues fans held their heads in their hands, knowing they would have to come from behind once again if they were to retain the title. They wouldn’t be stressing for long and Liverpool’s joy was short-lived.
Sergio Aguero restored parity less than a minute later to put City back in control of the title’s destiny. David Silva’s flick found the Argentine in space and onside, and Aguero made no mistake as he beat the keeper to make it 1-1.
City had dominated the match and continued to do so after Aguero’s goal but couldn’t quite make the breakthrough again. That all changed seven minutes before half-time as Aymeric Laporte headed City in front. A corner on the City right was met by a perfectly-timed header from the Spanish star, and the Blues were just over 45 minutes away from keeping the title at the right end of the M62.
It was still a tense affair after the break, and any slip by the Blues would allow Liverpool to take the initiative in the title race. The Reds were comfortable at 1-0 and Pep Guardiola’s side needed at least one more goal to give them some breathing space.
That came in the 63rd minute, courtesy of a sublime finish by Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian received a pass, then sold the defender a dummy, lined up a shot and fired into the top corner with his right foot to put the Blues firmly in control.
There was jubilation in the crowd and in the City dugout as the Blues put some clear daylight between them and the home side and placed one hand on the Premier League trophy. The celebrations began even though there were still 27 minutes left to play. But City were not about to give up the title.
Nine minutes later, the party could fully begin and City’s name as champions was about to be confirmed. A free kick 30 yards from goal was lined up by Ilkay Gundogan, who curled his shot around the wall and into the net to secure the win and the title.
Now City fans could truly celebrate and, despite Liverpool adding a second goal through Mane with nine minutes remaining, it was City’s day and it was down to the captain Vincent Kompany to lift the trophy again.
It was the Blues second trophy of the season, after they had beaten Chelsea on penalties to lift the League Cup and just six days later, City would become the first club in England to complete the domestic treble as they beat Watford 6-0 in the FA Cup Final at Wembley.
Final Score: Brighton 1-4 Manchester City
