Pep Guardiola said no team can dominate a complete game against Albion.

But the Manchester City boss was delighted to see his side win 2-1.

The champions threatened to run riot in a dominant first half.

But home fans were calling for the final whistle in the tense closing stages.

Guardiola said: “Against Brighton it’s impossible to control the game for 90, 95 minutes – no team in the world can do that.

“I’m surprised that we did it for 55, 60 minutes.

“We played an exceptional first half. We had more chances, we were aggressive in the link with the strikers.

“In the second half they closed the space. They are really good and when they have the ball it is almost impossible to take it.

“We suffered for 10, 15, 20, 25 minutes and then there was a period at the end of the game as well.

“After two defeats the performance was important but I give credit to Roberto (De Zerbi).

“When you see their games, his team is exceptional.

“They have a lot of injuries and that’s why I have pride in the team for the victory.”