Verbruggen spreads belief as Brighton continue to impress

Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was the man of the moment on Saturday afternoon as he produced an impressive individual display to help Brighton beat Manchester City Brighton have kept five clean sheets in their last six Premier League games When the full-time whistle sounded at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, there was a striking contrast in the emotions of the players from Manchester City and Brighton. Three days after losing to City on penalties in the Carabao Cup fourth round, the Seagulls achieved a 1-0 victory in the Premier League rematch, bouncing back to underline why they must be taken seriously towards the top of the table this season. It was no coincidence that most of the Brighton players made a beeline for the outstanding Bart Verbruggen.

The Netherlands goalkeeper made seven saves during a phenomenal afternoon's work to help Brighton not only secure three points but also earn a fifth clean sheet in six Premier League matches. Verbruggen's finest moment came during the second half when he produced a sprawling save down to his right to keep out a fierce effort from Matheus Nunes and deny City an equaliser. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler commended Verbruggen's display for "spreading belief" as Brighton became the first visiting side to keep a Premier League clean sheet at the Etihad since Tottenham in August