Sergio Aguero opened the scoring before a Lewis Dunk own goal sealed a 2-0 win for Pep Guardiola’s side.
It’s now seven straight opening-day victories for City - the best current run in the division - and Club journalist Rob Pollard has taken a look back over some of the major talking points to emerge from the game.
1 New dynamic
Much like during pre-season, City demonstrated a new dynamism in wide areas during the win at the Amex Stadium.
Kyle Walker was superb throughout, bringing energy and constant attacking threat down the right, while Danilo offered similar on the opposite flank.
It’s a big change from last season. Guardiola prioritised pace in the full-back areas this summer, and even without the services of fellow new signing Benjamin Mendy, who remains sidelined with a thigh injury, the City boss appears to have been rewarded.
It’s a new-look City side and perhaps the biggest improvement can be found in wide areas.
2 Super Sergio
Aguero’s opener, which came at a crucial time in the match, means he has now scored 170 goals for City and is just seven short of equalling the Club record set by Eric Brook.
Something tells me it won’t be long before he becomes City’s all-time leading scorer.
It was also his sixth goal in seven opening-day matches.
But it wasn’t just his goal that impressed. It was his pressing and desire to win the ball back that started the move for City’s second, with his work rate earning praise from Guardiola after the game.
Movement, pace and goals – he is the most complete striker in the Premier League.
3 Dominant City
According to SAP, City dominated possession at the Amex, enjoying 78 per cent of the ball, with some of their passing moves a joy to watch.
They also managed nine shots to Brighton’s four, and forced 10 corners to the home side’s three.
City outclassed their opponents and deserved the three points.
4 Strength in depth
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Saturday’s win was the strength City had in reserve.
Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva were all brought off the bench in the second half, with Yaya Toure and Phil Foden also available on the sidelines.
With the likes of Aguero, Gabriel Jesus, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne in the starting lineup, Guardiola, clearly, has plenty of quality to choose from this season.
Mendy and Ilkay Gundogan are set to return from injury soon, and when they do, City will have even more options.
5 Bigger tests to come
Credit to Brighton, they were organised and stoic in defence, making it difficult for City to impose themselves.
But with Everton next in the Premier League after the warm-weather training camp in Girona this week, City know they will have to be better if they want to get three points from Ronald Koeman’s men a week on Monday.
The Merseysiders have bought well this summer and look to have their best squad for some time. A 1-0 win over Stoke City on Saturday means they, too, are off to a decent start.
