With City out of Premier League action for 12 days, both Arsenal and Liverpool had moved above Pep Guardiola‘s side during the interim.
But, knowing six victories would guarantee another title, the Blues were at their ruthless best on the south coast, dispatching a Brighton side previously beaten just twice at home this campaign.
Brighton 0-4 City | Match report
A first-half City blitz saw Phil Foden score twice after Kevin De Bruyne had opened the scoring.
Julian Alvarez added a fourth after the break to narrow the gap to Arsenal to just one point.
It leaves the Blues needing five more league wins to secure a fourth title on the bounce.
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