Brighton 1 Manchester City 4

Prior to kick-off I wanted to take my godson for breakfast at Brighton Marina. My choice was the Malmaison but a woman with folded arms at the entrance said the hotel was closed.

This was not strictly true.

It had been taken over completely by Manchester City, its players and staff. God knows what City pay to take over the hotel but it’s only a minor expenditure for a club with the sovereign wealth of Abu Dhabi behind it.

We chose another place on the board walk. I looked up at the Malmaison and saw Gundogan basking in the sun on his mobile.

On the bus to the ground the Brighton supporters were cheerful.

Brighton’s stay in the top flight is assured though these last few months have been stressful. The main problem is goals.

Over the last few seasons Brighton have bought from the Dutch Eredivisie and now must splash the cash for a proven Premier goal scorer.

Absence this, I fear for us.

As for Manchester City, their triumphal supporters boast of the treble if they win the FA Cup this Saturday.

I would join in the chorus but for the fact that their starting eleven fielded yesterday did not include Kevin de Bruyne, Leroy Sane, Mendy, Stones, Jesus or Otamendi. And they will spend another £300-400m this summer. When you can buy a squad with such depth going for a treble is less an achievement more a spending spree.

No mention of the match would be complete without reference to the retirement of El Capitan Bruno Saltor. He is 37 years old but owes his place not to his experience but his ability.

The only stalwart to whom I can compare him is Tony Book anther right back who was talismanic at Manchester City.

As I write this a text has just arrived informing me that Chris Hughton has been sacked. Unbelievable!