BLIP'S BEHIND CHAMPS

MAN CITY 2 BRIGHTON 1

- John RICHARDSON

AFTER the bonhomie and bromance, it was back to bitter reality for Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi as the Treble winners survived a late scare to bounce back from successive Premier League losses.

In the build-up, Pep Guardiola had championed the Italian as a possible successor at Manchester City.

Before kick-off there had been hugs and amicable chat between the pair, but on the field Guardiola makes sure no bouquets are handed out by his ruthless side.

Within 18 minutes they were 2-0 up, with flying winger Jeremy Doku causing carnage down City's left to leave the returning James Milner wishing his injury could have been prolonged.