Manchester City’s recent stumble turned into a full-blown crisis as Brighton scored twice in five dramatic minutes near the end of the game, securing a 2-1 victory over the reigning champions and handing City a fourth consecutive loss—their longest losing streak under Pep Guardiola.
City came into this match on the back of three straight defeats to Bournemouth, Tottenham, and Sporting Lisbon, yet hopes were high that their misfortune was turning around when Erling Haaland’s first-half goal put them in control with just 12 minutes left to play. However, Brighton’s impact substitutes Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley—who made his delayed Premier League debut after an ankle injury had stalled his summer move from Celtic—came off the bench to spark a late comeback. Their heroics sent the Amex Stadium into a frenzy, not only stealing valuable points from City in the title race but also temporarily pushing Fabian Hurzeler’s team into the top four.
City looked strong early on, dominating possession and grabbing the lead when Haaland broke through and slotted the ball past Bart Verbruggen after a second attempt. However, after the 30-minute mark, City seemed to ease up, allowing Brighton to find their footing and grow into the game. The Seagulls created a flurry of opportunities in the second half, missing six major chances that amounted to an Expected Goals total of 1.43. Guardiola’s side found themselves pinned back and hanging on, with Ederson making a crucial save off Jack Hinshelwood’s header and stopping Kaoru Mitoma in a one-on-one situation. Even as Georginio Rutter missed a clear chance by heading over, and Pedro dragged a shot wide after a lofted pass, Brighton’s relentless pressure kept the City defense under siege.
Ultimately, Brighton’s persistence paid off. Danny Welbeck expertly controlled a cross from the left, creating a scramble in front of City’s goal. Joao Pedro, displaying more urgency than the City defenders, pounced on the ball and fired it in from close range. Just five minutes later, Pedro turned provider, setting up O’Riley, who charged forward and drilled the ball home to secure a stunning comeback victory.
Guardiola, visibly frustrated, could only watch helplessly as the match slipped away from City’s grasp. Though he brought on Kevin De Bruyne before Brighton’s goals in hopes of re-establishing control, the Belgian—still working his way back to full fitness—came close but curled an effort just wide late in the game. Bernardo Silva also dragged a shot wide of the far post, while Josko Gvardiol headed wide during nine minutes of tense stoppage time as City tried in vain to claw back a result.
With this defeat, City’s grip on the title race weakened even further. The post-match expressions of frustration from Guardiola and Haaland captured the growing pressure, as City struggles to turn the tide in a season that is now threatening to derail.
