Manchester City were not at their best against Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton, with manager Pep Guardiola admitting his side continued to struggle last season.
Manager Pep Guardiola admits Manchester City’s historic win had an impact on everyone at the club, including himself.
City ended a two-game losing streak in the Premier League by beating Brighton to get their season back on track after losing to Wolves and Arsenal.
But the reigning champions were not at their best against Roberto De Zerbi’s red side and Guardiola acknowledged City’s continued upheavals after last season’s heroics.
“The high note touched us all, including me,” Guardiola said.
“So we have to be there until the last minute at the end of the season, get close to the opposition and try to repeat that.
“I’ve often said that nobody has ever won four Premier League titles in a row, which shows how difficult it is.
But now it’s important to go to the next level, especially in the Champions League.
“Now we have played two games against Young Boys and after the second game we can play against them at home.
Then we just have to focus on the Premier League, Premier League, Premier League.
This is the goal.
“So today was really important.”
Goals from Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland made it 2-0 after 19 minutes before Brighton came from behind to win through Ansu Fati in the 73rd minute.
It was a thrilling final for City despite Manuel Akanji being suspended for this weekend’s derby with Manchester United after picking up a second yellow card in extra time.
Haaland’s goal ended City’s three-game goalless run, a mini-drought testament to the high standards he has set after plundering an incredible 52 points in his debut season last season.
“The expectations are very high, but he handled them very well,” Guardiola said.
“He knows he can score more goals in the group stage and in nine Premier League games.”
Guardiola made a surprise goalkeeper choice, preferring back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega to starter Ederson, and the City manager explained the reasons for his decision.
Coach Guardiola said: “It’s because the trip took too long because of Ede (Ederson) coming back from Brazil.” “Obviously it’s happened before, but he played two games there and was really tired the first day back.
“Normally I like playing against Ortega in the Carabao Cup or the FA Cup, but being knocked out of the Carabao Cup is also good to give Ede a break sometimes and recharge my mind.
“Sometimes players get tired, the goalkeeper gets tired too.
He’s good on the ball, calm, patient and has a great passing ability.
That’s why I chose him.”
The win took Guardiola’s City to a record 21 consecutive home wins in the Premier League, snapping the 20-match streak set by local rivals United when they play at Old Trafford on Sunday.
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