Manchester City secured their place in the FA Cup final as their quadruple dream lives on, extending a remarkable run of 22 wins in 23 matches.
Gabriel Jesus’ diving header gave Manchester City an early lead in the fourth minute, completing a flowing move that started with centre-back Aymeric Laporte.
VAR checked for a potential Kyle Walker headbutt on Alireza Jahanbakhsh in the first half, but a yellow card for both players was deemed sufficient punishment.
Anthony Knockaert posed a threat for Brighton, without really testing goalkeeper Ederson as the Premier League strugglers grew into the game after their nightmare start.
Laporte preserved City’s lead with a brilliant goalline clearance early in the second half as Brighton threatened with their aerial ability from the likes of Glenn Murray and Lewis Dunk.
Raheem Sterling left Mat Ryan’s palms stinging with a fierce drive just past the hour mark, as the game began to take on a frenetic end-to-end nature.
This was far from City’s silky best, but it was enough to prevent Brighton unlocking their defence despite manager Chris Hughton bringing on attacking firepower from the bench.
Brighton’s unsuccessful run at Wembley continues – this their fourth successive loss at the stadium.
More to follow.
