Manchester City’s slow start to the Premier League season continued with a 2-1 loss to Brighton at the Amex Stadium. Despite taking the lead, City couldn’t hold on, and they are still without a win against Brighton since Fabian Hürzeler took charge, with one draw and two defeats.
Brighton were looking for their first league win of the season, and facing City didn’t look like the easiest way to get it. Things looked worse when Omar Marmoush sent Erling Haaland through on goal early on, but the striker’s effort was weak and easily saved by Bart Verbruggen. Brighton reacted well and created a big chance of their own, but Kaoru Mitoma also couldn’t finish when one-on-one with James Trafford.
Haaland caused problems throughout the first half, but couldn’t beat Verbruggen, who made another great save from the Norwegian’s header midway through the half. Still, Haaland got his goal shortly after, reacting quickly to a loose ball in the box and firing City in front on his 100th Premier League appearance.
City stayed on the front foot after the break and nearly doubled their lead when Oscar Bobb slid in at the far post but missed the target. Brighton went straight up the other end, with Yankuba Minteh testing Trafford in a quick counterattack. VAR soon played a role when Matheus Nunes was penalised for a handball in the area. Former City player James Milner stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty home, becoming the oldest player to score a penalty in Premier League history.
As the match wore on, Pep Guardiola grew more frustrated on the sidelines as Brighton pushed for a winner. Trafford was kept busy by shots from Brajan Gruda and Jan Paul van Hecke. Brighton’s pressure paid off in the 89th minute when Gruda broke through, rounded the keeper, and scored into an empty net to seal the win.
It was a frustrating result for City and Guardiola, who have now lost 2-1 at Brighton in two straight seasons after leading both games 1-0.
