JAKARTA - Manchester City moved closer to the top of the Premier League standings thanks to Phil Foden's single goal against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday local time. Now, City are only four points away from Manchester United.
Foden's clinical finish before halftime at the Etihad Stadium that day was enough to see City claim four straight league wins.
City had a number of chances in the second half to double their lead but keeper Robert Sanchez and the post blocked it.
The hosts could have eased the tension in added minutes but substitute Raheem Sterling missed a penalty and sent the ball high over the post.
City climbed into the top four with 32 points from 16 games, four points from Manchester United who occupy the top of the table and one point behind champions Liverpool who have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Brighton has extended its winless streak to nine consecutive league matches and is now one place above the relegation zone.
After a slow start, Pep Guardiola's side have made progress but have now turned into a potential champion.
"Obviously it feels like our form is back at its best. We have gained confidence after the last few results," said Foden, who has scored four goals in his last six matches.
"We could have had better results today but overall I'm very proud of the team. It's a great result."
Brighton, with good possession and a tight back line, came close to ending the first half with a draw, but came Foden's goal knocking out the half.
Kevin De Bruyne latched onto Foden who crossed two defenders before the international hit the ball with a low shot into the inside of the net and beyond Sanchez's reach.
Sanchez made a brilliant save to keep out Ilkay Gundogan's effort and Bernardo Silva's shot still hit the post.
City lost the game in the last 20 minutes and Brighton saw an opportunity there.
Alex Mac Allister's curled shot went wide and Bernardo's low pass was beyond Davy Propper's reach in front of goal.
When Sanchez fouls De Bruyne, Sterling gets the chance to score his fourth goal of the season but misses his shot.
City are quite relieved after the long whistle, but with seven straight wins in all competitions and a fairly comfortable fixture going forward they will pose a threat.
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