Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hailed the importance of his side's victory over Brighton, lauding praise the way of the Seagulls in the process.
Having suffered defeat at Anfield last weekend, the Blues returned to action on home soil and could thank goals from Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne during a solid display from Roberto De Zerbi's side in the process. City now return to European action this week hoping to secure top spot in Group G.
Trailing early pacesetters Arsenal by just a point having played a game more, Guardiola was keen to emphasize his tactical tweaks, whilst also insisting Brighton are not like any other team they have faced previously this season and pose their own challenge.
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola breaks down how Roberto De Zerbi and Brighton gave Man City their 'toughest' test
''Absolutely, the game demanded a man-to-man game, so demanding. They ask you to play a game that we are not used to and we had to play not more direct but more through moments and they did really well,'' he told Viaplay.
''The first half was really good and the turning point was in the second half was when we scored the third goal was Riyad [Mahrez], normally he is a machine there and when we scored that third goal it was more difficult.''
With former boss Graham Potter now in charge at Stamford Bridge, much has been made of the transition presented to new boss De Zerbi along the way. Guardiola was keen to reiterate how he respects the Seagulls and insisted he was happy to have claimed all three points.
''Brighton was so difficult in the last few years with Graham Potter and this year with Roberto [De Zerbi]. A tough game, a really tough game and we know it. But in the end we did we have done and in these types of games, I know how difficult for the players as I said at half time. We have to be strong because they demand a lot.''
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