When Guardiola, who pursues perfection, meets Porter, who is only crazy for the ball, what kind of spark will collide?
This season, Brighton, known as the Seagull, has improved significantly under the tutelage of manager Poyet. After eight rounds of fighting, this small team, which has been wandering in the middle and lower reaches of the Premier League for many years, actually surpassed the star-studded Red Devils Manchester United with a record of 4 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss and 15 points, ranking fourth in the standings, and almost reached the top of the Premier League in the 6th round, which is the biggest dark horse in the Premier League this season.
It seemed that this seagull was about to spread its wings and soar above the blue sea and blue sky.
However, Brighton was able to make such an ideal start at the beginning of the season, and in addition to Poyet's credit, the relatively relaxed schedule is also a factor that cannot be ignored. Brighton's opponents and records in the first 8 rounds are: Burnley (away win), Watford (home win), Everton (away), Brentford (away), Leicester City (home win), Crystal Palace (away draw), Arsenal (home draw) Norwich (away draw). Although the Seagulls have not yet encountered a real challenge, the results of these three games against the Bees, Blue Foxes and Gunners are a testament to the effectiveness of Porter's tuning and the strength of the team.
Porter's tactical play is actually based on possession, but forced by the overall strength of the team is limited, he pays more attention to formation and defense, and strives to be stable. Despite stealing guardiola, in the 37th round of the Premier League last season, Porter commanded Brighton to beat Premier League champions Manchester City in the most exciting way at the Yuntong Stadium.
Obviously, this re-match against Guardiola at the Express Stadium will be the first real test Porters face this season.
Guardiola, on the other hand, came prepared.
Although the away defeat to Brighton at the end of last season has nothing to do with the overall situation of the Premier League, and there are also considerations in the Champions League final, but the shame of leading 2 goals and finally being pulled by 3 goals in a row, how can Guardiola let go?
Guardiola is still the best frontless team, due to the injury of Ferran Torres in the Final of the European Nations League, Foden has reached the center position, and Jesus, who has shined in the right wing this season, has rotated to form a left-and-right winger group with Glaliche.
In fact, as long as the happy prince Sterling does not start, Manchester City's game will always be much easier, even if Guardiola puts De Bruyne on the bench to see the scenery.
Bernardo Silva's barbed pass was poetic and Gundogan took the lead for City with just a gentle push. Then Foden received a selfless pass from Glallish and pushed the empty goal, giving United a two-goal lead early. But this time, Guardiola and his players will not make the mistakes of last season.
Jesus' shot bounced off Foden's leg and reflected into the net, giving City a 3-0 lead over Brighton at half-time.
In the second half, although Brighton tried their best to fight back, Manchester City always controlled the situation of the game with excellent ball control skills. The two managers, who have the concept of possession, began a half-pound confrontation against eight-two.
With a big lead, Guardiola doesn't want to chase after him, after all, the season is long. Brighton did not pull back a city with a McCollies signature ball until the 81st minute, and Guardiola immediately switched sides, with substitute Mahrez extending the lead to three goals with a shot from the field.
In the end, the score was 4-1, and Guardiola succeeded in revenge, temporarily leading Liverpool to the second place in the Premier League table, and prepared for the League Cup.
Although Brighton suffered the first defeat of the home season, manager Porter and the seagulls that have soared are destined to leave their mark on the Premier League this season.