Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola resisted the temptation to lay into the match officials, other than a sarcastic comment about the lack of help they get from referees - after Joao Cancelo was sent off, Ilkay Gundogan injured by what looked like a reckless high challenge, and Gabriel Jesus denied a late penalty at Brighton.
Germany midfielder Gundogan limped off in the second half after twice being on the end of fouls which caused him a problem, raising fears that he may not be it for the Champions League final in 11 days' time.
Guardiola was asked about the extent of the problem and replied: "He was injured a little bit, yes. It was a kick. He started the second half and had niggles in the muscle because he could not run properly and that's why there was a substitution."
And when asked if Brighton's win was indicative of just how tough the Premier League is, Guardiola snarked: "Ten against eleven is more difficult, yes.
"It's a top side, congratulations Brighton for the victory and the season. We started well and it was a tough game because we know their quality.
"For next season we know - that's why it's so nice in winning the Premier League, because all the time we did it ourselves."
But when asked directly about Cancelo's tenth-minute red card, the manager replied: "I didn't see it, and I didn't see the penalty for Gabriel in the last minute. I didn't see it. Eleven against eleven was tough.
"It was the perfect game for us to prepare for Everton and the Champions League but after ten against eleven it was more difficult."
