City started the evening four points behind the Gunners and one adrift of the Reds, but were still favourites to retain their title due to the two games in hand. Roberto De Zerbi’s side have been decimated by injuries and had won just four of their last 17 league matches coming into the match, meaning there was only faint hope they might pull off a miracle against City. But it was the third goal which really annoyed those of an Arsenal or Liverpool persuasion, or just keen to see a title race. Jason Steele and Carlos Baleba both completed risky passes inside their own penalty area before Valentin Barco’s was intercepted by Bernardo Silva.

It fell perfectly for Foden, who stroked into the bottom corner to make it game over. You can feel the nerves inside the stadium when they start playing five-a-side in their own box. “That was absolutely lethal from Phil Foden. There is courage and then there is stupidity when City are closing you down in those numbers.

Foden strokes it into that corner. You admire the bravery they have on the ball, but when it’s not going your way, you need to change things up sometimes. You can’t be making mistakes in your own box like they have done at 2-0 down.”

Fans on social media were similarly aghast at De Zerbi’s tactics. “What on earth were Brighton doing back there?

Guardiola’s side are just a point behind Arsenal with a game in hand. *Join our new WhatsApp community* *and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

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