Man City's Premier League title race goal difference vs Arsenal after Brighton victory

Manchester City sent a message to their rivals in the Premier League title race with a dominant victory over Brighton.

Pep Guardiola’s side could have struggled away at the Amex Stadium, facing an attacking side in a midweek game. It did not take long for City to take the lead, though, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring an impressive header and Phil Foden adding a brace before half-time. After the interval, Julian Alvarez scored a fourth for City as the club narrowed Arsenal’s lead at the top.

The result moved Guardiola’s team to within a point of the Gunners and two clear of Liverpool, having played a game less. However, the tense title race could face another twist after City’s dominant victory over Brighton.

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The focus may have been City closing in on Arsenal’s points tally but the club also made headway in another aspect of the table. Pep Guardiola’s side improved their goal difference to +48 but still have some way to catch Arsenal.

The Gunners’ total of +56 remains significantly better than City’s. However, City’s convincing win allowed Guardiola’s side to improve to +48, reducing the difference to eight. Liverpool sit further back on +41.

It is a sizeable margin but City still may be able to overturn Arsenal's advantage before the end of the season. The goal difference tally could become vital at the end of the season if City drop points in any of their remaining games and finish the campaign on the same points total as their rivals at the top of the table.

City’s next opportunity to improve their goal difference will be a quick turnaround at Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Meanwhile, Arsenal have a tricky test against local rivals Tottenham on Sunday, while Liverpool have an away clash at West Ham United on Saturday.