City started the match with intent, with Savinho testing Bart Verbruggen early on from a tight angle on the right. Shortly after, Haaland missed a volley on the stretch, sending it wide. However, the Norwegian striker soon found the net, following up his own blocked shot to tap it over the line just before Jan Paul van Hecke could intervene.
Moments later, Haaland nearly doubled his tally, only for Verbruggen to deflect his tight-angle shot onto the post. Danny Welbeck came close at the other end, narrowly missing a free-kick just before halftime.
Brighton pressed harder in the second half, with Joao Pedro squandering a prime one-on-one opportunity by dragging his shot wide. He redeemed himself, though, seizing on a scramble to score the equalizer. Soon after, O’Riley brought the Amex crowd to life, slipping through City’s defense to poke in the winning goal past Ederson.
Hurzeler’s Impact on Brighton’s Resurgence
Despite facing a City side eager to end a recent losing streak, Brighton had their own point to prove. Under Hurzeler’s management, Brighton’s strong start in the Premier League had faltered with recent draws against Wolves and Liverpool after conceding late leads. Determined to bounce back, Hurzeler’s side struggled with sloppy passing in the first half, allowing City to capitalize on a midfield turnover to score.
The second half, however, saw a different Brighton. Using the width of the pitch, they repeatedly drove crosses into the box, pressuring City’s defense and forcing errors. Substitutes Joao Pedro and O’Riley injected fresh energy, making the most of City’s defensive lapses. Even as City pressed for a late equalizer, Brighton held firm to secure a memorable victory at the Amex.
City’s Difficult Run Continues
Despite Guardiola’s assurances that City were not in a “dark place,” as Bernardo Silva hinted after their 4-1 Champions League loss to Sporting, the team’s struggles continued. Guardiola, who had never before endured a four-game losing streak, pointed to injury woes, but the performance differences between halves were telling.
Haaland’s 12th goal of the Premier League season initially put City on track for a crucial win, with the team creating chances at will before halftime. Brighton, however, adjusted well in the second half, and City’s defense looked disorganized, unable to clear the ball that led to Brighton’s equalizer.
With important matches against Tottenham and Liverpool looming after the international break, Guardiola will be keen to see City regain their form quickly.
