Pep Guardiola's longest answer in his pre-match press conference was one explaining just how dangerous Brighton would be on Saturday.
Guardiola said new Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi would have a massive impact in English football, and went on to detail exactly why - from his clear philosophy, unwavering belief in sticking to that style, and Brighton's instant improvements in attacking from transitions.
Those predictions were immediately proven right with Brighton looking to attack whenever they got the ball against Manchester City, just as Guardiola predicted they would.
"They're so dynamic without the ball, with the ball incredible players like MacAllister, Dunk, March, Gross, Trossard," Guardiola had said. "All have incredible quality in small spaces. On the move. You see with the ball already what he has done."
And so it proved, with Brighton insisting on playing out from the back and pressing City high, even if that carried plenty of risk. Despite City's two first-half goals, Brighton came out fighting in the second period and got a goal their bravery deserved when Leandro Trossard's shot beat Ederson at the near post.
They continued to press as City fans got restless, and Guardiola spent most of the game anxiously pacing his technical area or crouching at the edge of it. He had already spent multiple occasions in the first half arguing with Bernardo Silva over his position, or shouting at players to be in the right position, wary of Brighton's quick attacks.
And when Trossard did score, he had been crouched down and simply stood up shaking his head before walking back to his seat. It was a goal that proved his point about Brighton's strengths perfectly. His frustration will have been exacerbated after Riyad Mahrez missed a golden chance for a third goal moments earlier.
Guardiola had warned on Friday that any player with one eye on the World Cup would be dropped, and something was clearly bothering him with City's performance on Saturday. There were signs of encouragement after the Anfield setback, but also a feeling in the second half that they were already looking ahead to Tuesday's Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund - let alone the World Cup.
Credit, too, should go to Brighton and De Zerbi, who refused to roll over at 2-0. Guardiola will learn far more from playing a side willing to take the game to them than one putting 11 men behind the ball, and there was plenty of relief when Kevin De Bruyne found the top corner to restore the two-goal lead.
Brighton's bravery showed why Guardiola thinks so highly of De Zerbi and backs up his prediction of a fruitful career in England. It also explains his nervousness on the touchline, which will remind City of the high standards he will always insist on as the Blues look to end their fixtures with a run of form before the World Cup.
If they are to continue a title push, they will need to be better defensively than they were on Saturday.