Manchester City’s stuttering start to the Premier League season continued as they fell to a dramatic 2-1 defeat against Brighton, despite taking an early lead through Erling Haaland. The result means City’s winless run against the Seagulls under manager Fabian Hürzeler stretches to three games.
The match started with a series of missed opportunities from both sides. City’s star striker Erling Haaland had two clear chances in the opening minutes, but his efforts were either tamely hit or brilliantly saved by Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen. At the other end, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma found himself one-on-one with City’s James Trafford, but the young keeper made a crucial save to turn the ball behind.
It was a case of fourth time’s the charm for Haaland, who, on his 100th Premier League appearance, finally broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark. The Norwegian was quickest to react to a loose ball in the box, prodding it into the corner to give City a deserved lead.
The second half saw a complete shift in momentum. City missed a golden chance to double their lead through Oscar Bobb, and that miss proved costly. Brighton was awarded a penalty after a VAR check confirmed a handball by Matheus Nunes. Veteran midfielder James Milner stepped up to calmly slot home the spot-kick, becoming the oldest player to score a penalty in Premier League history.
With the game tied, Brighton pushed for a winner, with substitutes injecting new life into their attack. Their pressure finally paid off in the 89th minute when Brajan Gruda showed great composure to break clear, round James Trafford, and roll the ball into an empty net. The late goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy and sealed Brighton’s first league win of the season.
The final whistle confirmed a frustrating afternoon for Pep Guardiola’s side, who will be left to wonder how they let a one-goal lead slip for the second consecutive season at the Amex Stadium. For Brighton, the victory is a massive boost and a testament to their fighting spirit.
