Man City fall to fourth straight defeat after late comeback show at Brighton

By SABC Sport
9th November 2024

Manchester City's slump deepened as Brighton shocked the champions with two late goals, clinching a 2-1 victory at Falmer Stadium.

The defeat hands Pep Guardiola just the second four-game losing streak of his career and raises fear of a crisis at the Etihad Stadium.

City, already reeling from losses to Bournemouth, Tottenham, and Sporting, seemed on course to respond when Erling Haaland's first-half strike put them ahead with just 12 minutes left.

However, Brighton duo Joao Pedro and Matt O'Riley - making his Premier League debut - sparked a dramatic comeback that lifted Brighton into the top four, at least temporarily.

After dominating early and taking the lead when Haaland slotted home on a second attempt past Bart Verbruggen, City lost momentum. Brighton began to capitalize, with the Seagulls missing a number of chances in the second half.

City's defense faltered under pressure, and Ederson was repeatedly called into action, saving from Jack Hinshelwood's header and denying Kaoru Mitoma in a one-on-one. However, Brighton's persistence paid off when Danny Welbeck's cross led to a goalmouth scramble, with Pedro seizing the moment to equalize from close range.

Just minutes later, Pedro turned provider, setting up O'Riley, who fired home to complete the turnaround. Guardiola could only watch as his team's hopes slipped away.

Late substitute Kevin De Bruyne curled an effort just wide, while Bernardo Silva and Josko Gvardiol missed further chances in nine tense minutes of added time. Brighton held firm, sealing a memorable win and compounding City's recent struggles.