44’
62’
Phil Foden's strike proved enough to secure a 1-0 victory for Manchester City against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Pep Guardiola's men started brightly, with Kevin De Bruyne denied three times by Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and Riyad Mahrez miscuing a volley.
With half-time approaching, Foden made the breakthrough when he eased a clever side-footed shot into the bottom corner.
City continued to dominate but were profligate.
After the break, Ilkay Gundogan and De Bruyne were again thwarted by Sanchez before Bernardo Silva hit the bar.
Brighton's best chance fell to Alexis Mac Allister, but his fierce strike whistled narrowly over.
In stoppage time, substitute Raheem Sterling blazed a penalty over the crossbar after De Bruyne had been brought down by Sanchez.
Man City are third with 32 points, level with Leicester City and Everton. Brighton are 17th with 14 points.
See: Man City report | Brighton report
Next fixtures
Man City: 17 Jan v Crystal Palace (H)
Brighton & Hove Albion: 16 Jan v Leeds (A)
Referee: Darren England. Assistants: Stuart Burt, Simon Bennett. Fourth official: Michael Oliver. VAR: Mike Dean. Assistant VAR: Dan Robathan.
WHO'S GOING TO BE YOUR
MAN OF THE MATCH?
Vote at Full-time