Guardiola reflects on Brighton victory and title race

Manager says that his side cannot afford to drop any points if City are to win the league

Pep Guardiola was in bullish mood after seeing his side retain top spot in the Premier League with a 3-0 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The first-half had ended goalless and there was a tense atmosphere in the Etihad Stadium, before Riyad Mahrez settled the nerves with City's opener in the 53rd minute. Further strikes from Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva secured the points in what turned out to be a comfortable win for the Blues.

Liverpool had temporarily overtaken City after defeating Manchester United on Tuesday evening, and Guardiola expects the two sides will continue to exchange blows in the coming week.

“If we win all the games we will be the champions. If we drop points we won't”, said Guardiola in his post-match press conference.

“Today we came back against a side who won away against Tottenham and Arsenal.

“They are a quality team, with a system and set up really well. We were so aggressive and we had contact with Kevin and we could run.

“We were patient and in the second half we found a goal.

“I don't think the first half and second half were too different, but we found a goal in the second half. Now three more days and Watford.”