Erling Haaland took his tally to 17 goals in 11 Premier League games as Manchester City held off a second-half fightback to beat Brighton.
Norway striker Haaland outmuscled defender Adam Webster to roll in the opener, then slammed in a penalty after the video assistant referee ruled Bernardo Silva had been fouled by Lewis Dunk.
Brighton improved after the break and narrowed the gap when Leandro Trossard cracked in from long range.
The away side, who have not won any of their five matches since Roberto de Zerbi replaced Graham Potter as manager, threatened an equaliser through Alexis Mac Allister, Tariq Lamptey and Trossard.
But seconds after Trossard was denied by Ederson, City skipper Kevin de Bruyne sealed victory by bending a superb effort into the top corner from 25 yards.
Champions City move to within a point of leaders Arsenal, who travel to Southampton on Sunday.
