Manchester City v Brighton: Chris Hughton's post-match reaction

Goals in either half from Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero took City to all three points but Hughton thought the Seagulls should have had a spot-kick five minutes from time when Fernandinho appeared to handle Beram Kayal's corner.

Looking back on his side's performance, Hughton said: "When you come here, one thing you know is you are going to concede a lot of possession. There isn't a team in the division that's better in possession with the ball, using the ball and possession stats.

"What I wanted us to do was to be better on the ball once we gained possession and on the turnover.

"It's hard in a 4-3-3 to press in the areas you'd like because when you have both Silvas dropping deep and Sane and Sterling so wide, it's very difficult.

"Overall, the thing I was most disappointed with was the second goal.

"The first goal can happen, particularly against City with the counter-attack they can show. We gave the ball away, they counter and score. That can happen.

"I'm really disappointed with the second goal because I thought we could have stopped it at the source before it even got into our box.

"At 1-0, you never know what can happen. Not that we would have deserved it but you never know.

"That was the disappointment. And I also felt we had a very clear shout for a penalty.

"Some referees either this weekend, next week or the one after will give it as a penalty."

On facing City, who won the league with 100 points last season, Hughton said: "They are a top side and they've probably still not got into their best form yet.

"Last season they were outstanding. It's very difficult coming here when you're a team like us. In your second season in this division, you can get beat big here with the form of the opposition.

"It's no coincidence how they won the league last season with probably some of the best football the league has seen.

"I don't know if they're at their best at the moment but they will certainly go down in different people's opinions as one of the best teams."

HAVE YOU READ?

Match report: Manchester City 2, Brighton 0

Pep Guardiola's post-match reaction