Manchester City v Brighton – Premier League latest as Pep Guardiola's champions return to winning ways at Etihad

Erling Haaland struck his ninth Premier League goal of the season as champions Manchester City returned to winning ways with a battling 2-1 win over Brighton at the Etihad.

The prolific Norway striker thumped home an incredible 45th goal in 44 league appearances on 19 minutes after Julian Alvarez had converted Jeremy Doku's cutback for a merited City opener 12 minutes earlier.

After losing 2-1 at Wolves and 1-0 at Arsenal in the league before the international break, Pep Guardiola will be happy with his side in avoiding a third straight league loss amid another outstanding contribution from Phil Foden.

If the first half was a sobering experience for Roberto De Zerbi's besieged Brighton team, who have shipped 18 goals in nine league outings, he will be happier with the second period as substitute Ansu Fati finished off a fine counter attacking move on 73 minutes to give his side fresh hope of an unlikely point.

More worrying for Brighton, was the sight of Solly March being stretchered off in agony in the dying moments after an untimely fall to the ground. City also had Manuel Akanji harshly sent off in added time for a second yellow card, but they saw out the match for a vital three points.

The home side returned to top spot in the Premier League table before London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal meet later on Saturday evening.

Not pretty in the end, but they do enough to claim the three points. They move top of the table on 21 points from nine matches before Chelsea and Arsenal play later on.

Nathan Aké replaces Julián Álvarez for City. That might be that for the day.

Akanji goes for a second yellow card for a late challenge on Fati. That looked very harsh.

Solly March is carried off in agony and has been replaced for the visitors.

But set to have a few more minutes of stoppage time with Solly March down on the ground needing some treatment. Doesn't look too good for him with the match halted at the moment. And the stretcher has been called for.

Don't really to do anything overly exciting with the ball in attack here. Just keep it away from Brighton for the closing moments. Which is easier said than done.

Gimour takes a couple of bites at Haaland before Veltman is slowed up for a third attempt to slow down the Norwegian striker in full flow.

Vital at this stage of the game as Evan Ferguson is penalised for bundling over Gvardiol, who is only too happy to go to ground.

The England attacker goes into the book. Think he was bemoaning the linesman over something or other and picks up a yellow.

City seemed to have upped their intensity levels after losing that goal. Looking for an energised finish to the afternoon. Vital that they keep the ball away from the visitors.

City were so much in control of this match, but there is suddenly life in this match that scarely seemed believable after the opening 30 minutes or so.

Jack Grealish replaces Jérémy Doku, while Rúben Dias is on for John Stones.

Would you believe this! Brighton race from one end to the other as Mitoma's cross falls kindly for Fati to slip the ball home. Akanji can't clear and this game is suddenly back in the mixer.

Another probing run and shot from the young Belgian winger, but his shot is well held by Steele. Game racing from end to end.

This time the corner from March asks questions of the City defence, but Mitoma heads into the side netting with the visiting fans set to celebrate. Two chances in as many minutes for the Seagulls.

But Mitoma can't come up with the finish as Ortega is called into action to make a fine stop. Stands tall to make the save. Vital that he didn't commit and he denies Brighton a lifeline.

The visiting keeper has to look lively to repel a powerful shot at goal by Haaland. The magnificent Foden playing provider with another delicate chip through the middle.

Billy Gilmour replaces Carlos Baleba and Ansu Fati is on for João Pedro. Will it change the course of this match?

This time Julio is yellow carded for a late challenge on Rodri. Can have few complaints about that call.