Ederson was given a rest against Brighton on Saturday after returning back from international duty tired, Pep Guardiola confirmed.

City returned to domestic action after the international break and beat Brighton to end a run of back-to-back league defeats and three defeats in four in all competitions. The eye-catching selection choice was Stefan Ortega's first league start of the season, and only fourth overall. Ederson had started 62 league games in a row before that run.

He was dropped to the bench against Brighton, with Guardiola citing his travel and recovery after international duty in South America - although Argentina international Julian Alvarez started having travelled a similar distance.

Explaining why Ederson was on the bench, Guardiola said: "Just for the fact the travel from Eddy from Brazil. It happens many times and he plays but he plays two games [last week]."

Ederson played both of Brazil's games over the break, as did Alvarez - but the striker was substituted in the second half in both matches. Guardiola also said that Brazil's disappointing form (a defeat to Uruguay and draw with Venezuela) had an impact in his condition.

"The first day he [Ederson] arrives he was so tired," the boss continued. "Normally Ortega plays Carabao Cup, [but] now we are out, the FA Cup. Sometimes I like, even for Eddy is good to rest your mind. Sometimes other players are tired. A keeper can be tired too.

"With the ball he is really good, composure, patient, quality of the pass. That's why we decide.

"Julian is younger. I saw him sharp. He arrives, I saw him sharp. I feel fresher than the other time arrive for international duty. The second game he played 45, 50 minutes. He was replaced for a player who not bad like Leo Messi. That's why he arrives a bit better.

"Eddy plays 90 and 90. [Alvarez] he won. When you win the mood is better, Brazil didn't happen. This detail. We spoke with Xabi [[Mancisidor, goalkeeper coach] in detail. With the keepers, the final decision, okay is my responsibility, but I listen a lot to Xabi and Juanma [Lillo]. We decide for that."

Guardiola also stressed the importance of beating Brighton in order to return to winning ways after back-to-back defeats, ahead of a difficult run. City travel to Switzerland to face Young Boys this week and host the same side a fortnight later in the Champions League where qualification for the knockout stages can potentially be secured.

Outlining City's immediate priorities, Guardiola said: "We need to be there, close in the month, arrive in the final moments at the end of the season being close to opponents and try it again. I said many times. No-one has won four in a row, never ever. That means how difficult it us.

"Now in that moment is to be there, especially for the Champions League qualify for next round in this period when you can be out. We have two games, first one, after the second one vs Young Boys at home, we can be there and after focus on the Premier League. That is the target.

"That's why today was really important. I saw the team against this team [Brighton] - I know exactly what happens to opponents against them. It was an opportunity to give really good minutes. We cannot deny after two defeats in a row to break that position was really important."