Albion 0 Manchester City 4

Manchester City do not need the sort of help they enjoyed at the Amex last night.

The classy champions closed back in on Arsenal with a convincing win over the injury-hit, increasingly youthful Seagulls.

They did so with the assistance of Albion at times, with decisions at others, for a win which was a case of “how many?” by half-time.

As it was, Kevin De Bruyne’s header, a Phil Foden double and Julian Alvarez’s tap-in made up the champions’ tally.

The big talking point as the line-ups were confirmed was a first Albion start for mid-season signing Valentin Barco, the teenager from Boca Juniors.

It was a bold move to give some spark out wide with Pervis Estupinan’s season ended by his latest injury setback.

Barco had previously gone on as a sub for two brief outings - with some positive effect at Wolves but not really so much at Anfield.

Jason Steele took over in goal and there was also a start for Adam Lallana, while Julio Enciso was on the bench after a fitness test on matchday.

City were without Erling Haaland and, although John Stones had been passed fit, he was on a star-studded bench at kick-off.

Before the teams came out, Russ Cook – the Hardest Geezer – went out on to the pitch wearing an Albion scarf and taking a rapturous ovation in honour of his history-making feat in running from one end of Africa to the other.

The first shot actually came from Albion after they won the ball high up, as Ederson went low to his left to save from Danny Welbeck.

But the hosts had a warning about what was to follow as De Bruyne was awarded a charitable free-kick by Jarred Gillett after running into Carlos Baleba and, from Foden’s delivery, Nathan Ake poked an effort off target on the stretch.

The opening goal was superbly crafted by Foden with a pass inside Barco and Joao Pedro down Albion’s left.

Kyle Walker chipped a cross towards De Bruyne and over Jakub Moder, who had been marking him tightly in the opening stages. The Belgian was 12 yards out but got power on his header to beat Steele high up.

The second came from a free-kick which, it appeared, should not have been given. Foden slipped all alone just outside the box but was handed the set-piece and his shot flew in off Pascal Gross.

City did not need gifts like that decision or deflection and they were helped out with the third as Albion, under pressure, played themselves into trouble in their own area.

In the end, Barco gave the ball to Bernardo Silva and he teed up Foden for a cool finish.

Albion sent on young defender Odel Offiah and Simon Adingra for Joel Veltman and Lallana at the break.

They had early appeals for a penalty after Barco did well to win the ball high up.

Rodri held Gross back by the right arm just inside the box but the incident was waved away.

Barco was endearing himself to home fans – with a steely block tackle and then some nice footwork to send Joao Pedro into the box, with Ederson forced to go down and help the ball to safety.

But the debutant was left exposed as Walker raced away ahead of City’s fourth, cut inside and was bravely foiled by Steele – with Alvarez following up for the easy finish.

Albion’s fans had largely stayed with their side and they urged them to get some reward.

But, if the team in blue and white were having a poor night, so were the team in orange and black.

Joao Pedro burst between defenders and seemed to be pushed by Josko Gvardiol, but referee Gillett saw nothing wrong.

Barco had been allowed to play further forward by the introduction of Igor off the bench.

Home supporters who had continued to encourage their well-beaten side should have had the late reward of a goal.

Joao Pedro sent Igor away down the left and met the cutback - but sent the ball wide from close range.

Albion: Steele; Veltman (Offiah 46), van Hecke, Dunk, Barco; Gross, Baleba; Moder (Igor 56), Lallana (Adingra 46), Joao Pedro; Welbeck (O’Mahony 75).

Subs: Verbruggen, Webster, Enciso, Ansu Fati, Buonanotte.

Yellow cards: Veltman, Baleba.

Man City: Ederson; Walker (Lewis 79), Ake, Akanji, Gvardiol; Rodri (Gomez 79), Kovacic, De Bruyne (Nunes 72); Bernardo Silva (Doku 78), Alvarez, Foden (Grealish 72).

Unused subs: Ortega, Dias, Stones, Bobb.

Goals: De Bruyne 17, Foden 26, 34, Alvarez 62.

Referee: Jarred Gillett.