An impressive stint by Socceroo goalkeeper Mat Ryan was not enough to deny Manchester City a 2-0 victory over EPL new boys Brighton and Hove Albion at Amex Stadium overnight.
With just 22% possession, the Seagulls were pegged back in their own half for most of the match but Ryan marshalled his defence well to keep the EPL giants at bay until late in the game.
The 25-year-old pulled off some eye-catching saves in front of the home crowd and repelled attack after attack, including a stunning effort to deny Gabriel Jesus midway through the first half.
Pep Guardiola’s men finally found the breakthrough on 70 minutes when Kevin De Bryune and David Silva set up Sergio Aguero for the opener from inside the box.
Ryan perhaps could have done better to avoid the second five minutes later when an own goal from Lewis Dunk put the result beyond doubt.
The defender headed the ball at his keeper's midriff and home fans watched in horror as it slipped through Ryan's hands and into the back of the net.
In one of the more interesting stats to emerge from the match, Ryan attempted more passes (27) than any other Brighton player.
@BBCSussexSport great game today. City definitely run the game but Brighton did well to only concede two. Ryan made some cracking saves.
— Louis Selling (@SellingLouis) August 12, 2017
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