Brighton vs Manchester City Review
For the first time under Pep Guardiola, Manchester City has suffered four consecutive losses, as Brighton & Hove Albion came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory at the Amex Stadium, marking only their second win against City in Premier League history. The visitors aimed to avoid back-to-back Premier League defeats under Guardiola for just the fourth time and started the match strongly.
Man City has scored a league-high nine goals in the first 15 minutes of their games this season, but despite their early control, they struggled to create clear chances. Savinho was the first to pose a threat, forcing a smart low save from Bart Verbruggen after receiving a pass from Mateo Kovačić. The Croatian was effectively breaking down Brighton’s defense, and when he set up Erling Haaland midway through the first half, the striker capitalized. Although Verbruggen saved his initial shot, Haaland was quick to react and scored his fourth goal in as many encounters against Brighton.
Haaland could have scored a hat-trick before halftime, but he was thwarted by Verbruggen and then headed over from a corner taken by Phil Foden. Brighton was struggling to escape their own half, but they took advantage of Manchester City’s slight decline in control before the break. Their best chance came when Kaoru Mitoma raced down the left and passed to the in-form Danny Welbeck, but his shot was blocked by a sliding Joško Gvardiol.
After the break, Brighton aimed to maintain their momentum, bringing in Carlos Baleba to strengthen their midfield. The match became more balanced compared to the first half, and the home team felt frustrated not to equalize when Pervis Estupiñán’s precise cross found a leaping Jack Hinshelwood, whose header was too close to Ederson, who saved it. Estupiñán soon sent in another threatening cross that Georginio Rutter headed over, while Savinho shot wide at the other end as both teams pressed forward.
There was no question that Brighton was in control, but they struggled to convert their opportunities, with substitute João Pedro missing a chance by shooting wide. After Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne came on in the 70th minute, City had yet to register a shot on target in the second half. Eventually, Pedro broke through City’s solid defense, scoring from close range after a scramble in the six-yard box.
Just five minutes later, Brighton’s impressive teamwork led to Pedro assisting Matt O’Riley, who scored on his Premier League debut, securing a remarkable victory for Brighton. This win propels them into the top four after starting their league season with six unbeaten matches at home. For City, the outcome is troubling, as they find themselves five points behind early leaders Liverpool.
