23 and counting for Mahrez
When Riyad Mahrez unlocked Brighton's strong resistance, he might have scored one of his most important goals of the season. On his 250th Premier League appearance, he notched his 23rd goal of the season in a campaign that Pep Guardiola said Manchester City don't have a 20-goal-a-season striker.
He's turned up for the big moments in the absence of such a striker though, and made himself undroppable for the big games coming up against Real Madrid. Guardiola says he's not thinking that far ahead yet, but Mahrez's involvement shouldn't take much thought when that time comes.
There were occasions City could have done with a striker against Brighton, especially when someone in a crossing position had to check back with nobody in the area. Yet this side are relentless in their persistence and more often than not, Mahrez has become the go-to for something to happen. He wasn't at his best here, but proved decisive once again.
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Players recognise Stones' contribution
Only John Stones and Joao Cancelo played every minute in City's four games with Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. So it was no surprise to see Stones replaced after 77 minutes when the Blues had a two-goal cushion. As the board went up, every outfield player made their way to Stones to pat him on the back or shake his hand as he was replaced by Aleks Zinchenko.
Stones was faultless against Brighton, and has been a standout in the previous high-profile games - something his teammates were keen to recognise. Even with Ruben Dias back, Stones should have earned his place when Real Madrid visit the Etihad next week, assuming he recovers from the muscle tightness that saw him replaced.
Title race nerves
City were the dominant team at the Etihad, as they always are, but the normal feeling of confidence that a goal will come was replaced with anxiety on and off the pitch here. With Liverpool going top the previous night, City were under pressure to respond but Brighton were proving tricky opponents from the start.
It was clear to see how they got wins at Arsenal and Tottenham in their previous outings, and the Etihad responded to the jeopardy with plenty of shouts to shoot, louder-than-usual exasperations when a chance died, and more rousing songs of encouragement when City were in possession. The roar when Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring was more of relief than anything else. City might relish being in a title race, but fans might not enjoy every step of the journey if the games are as close as this one for large parts.
Pep's real verdict on Liverpool performance
Of the seven players who came into the Manchester City team against Liverpool, only Nathan Ake remained in the side against Brighton. It was a deserved start for Ake, who's done well in recent games and is arguably in his best form since joining City, but he would likely have been the one to drop out if Kyle Walker was fit.
Pep Guardiola hailed his fringe players before this Brighton game, asking 'who am I to say they shouldn't play?', but his actions may have spoken louder than words when it comes to what he really thought about City's Wembley performance. That, or he knew how tough Brighton would be and only a full-strength XI would be enough to win.
Another injury concern
Guardiola will be hoping Nathan Ake's injury isn't too bad. He was limping towards the end of the first half and grimaced as he walked off at the break, pointing to his right ankle. Ruben Dias was a halftime substitute for him, shifting the defence around to accommodate him as City deal with yet another injury concern.
Kyle Walker may or may not be back to face Watford on Saturday, while Dias' return will be monitored after seven weeks out and Stones is another doubt now. As City head into their last eight 'finals' of the season, with two major trophies on the line, it doesn't particularly help to have a different back four enforced each time they play.
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