City hold off spirited Brighton fightback to return to top of table

Early goals from Haaland and Alvarez set champions on their way only for visitors to mount second-half comeback before falling short

TRUE BLUES: Manchester City's Julian Alvarez (second right) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Pic: Tim Goode/PA Wire

Manchester City 2 Brighton 1 

Manchester City ended their mini-crisis with a hard-earned win but had to survive a tense finish after a second half fight back by Brighton.