Chris Hughton in difficult Premier League start as Man City beg back Brighton

Ghanaian coach Chris Hughton's hopes of causing a major stir in Brighton's first match in 34 years in the English Premier League ended in disappointment as they were defeated 2-0 by Manchester City.

Sergio Aguero was on target as Manchester City denied Brighton any hope of a shock on their Premier League debut.

Pep Guardiola's side, for all their riches, took time to get into their groove in a 2-0 win at the Amex Stadium.

But the moment they did it was ruthless as striker Aguero converted 20 minutes from time.

Lewis Dunk turned Fernandinho's cross through goalkeeper Mathew Ryan grasp and into his own net soon afterwards as City prevailed after previously being frustrated.

There was some intricate build-up play and Gabriel Jesus twice found the Brighton net only for the strikes to be ruled out, once for handball and once for offside.

The Brazilian also had a point-blank header saved by Ryan before City's late burst.

Twenty years after facing extinction and following a 34-year absence from the top flight, Brighton are a Premier League club. The Seagulls had more recent history with City, knocking them out of the League Cup on penalties at the Withdean Stadium.

That was in September 2008, in the early days of City's Abu Dhabi ownership, which bank-rolled the signing of five players for £200 million this summer.

Guardiola, who hopes the lavish expenditure will be a one off, fielded three of his new boys from the start. Full-backs Kyle Walker and Danilo played as wing-backs and Ederson was a virtual spectator in goal for much of the contest.

Brighton, meanwhile, started £10m Dutch midfielder Davy Propper -- their club record signing until the deal to capture Colombian Jose Izquierdo from Club Brugge is completed.

Hughton, whose father is from Ghana, watched his disappointment as his side fell to a defeat in trheir first match in their return to the top-flight.

But by the judgement from this game, his side could offer tough opposition to any side in the Premier League.