Manchester City’s losing streak extended as Brighton staged an impressive comeback to claim victory.

Pep Guardiola looked stunned as Brighton players and fans erupted in celebration over Matt O’Riley’s winning goal. For the Manchester City manager, a fourth consecutive defeat—something he’s never experienced before—would have been especially bitter, particularly given his team’s dominance in the first half. The tide turned with João Pedro’s equalizer to Erling Haaland’s opener, followed by a quick setup for substitute O’Riley just five minutes later.

O’Riley’s moment was particularly sweet; this was his Premier League debut after a brief appearance in August was cut short by injury following his move from Celtic. His decisive goal gave Brighton supporters the chance to chant “You’re getting sacked in the morning” as they closed in on an unforgettable victory.

Determined to improve on past lapses, Guardiola had made lineup changes, pairing young Jahmai Simpson-Pusey with Josko Gvardiol in central defense and adding Kyle Walker for Manuel Akanji. Bernardo Silva was benched, having recently admitted that City was “in a dark place” after three straight defeats. Sensing an opportunity, Brighton’s manager Hürzeler opted for an aggressive lineup led by the in-form Danny Welbeck.

City looked dominant early on, with Savinho repeatedly exploiting space behind Pervis Estupiñán. His speed tested Brighton’s defense, and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen had to make a crucial stop to prevent an opening goal. Haaland’s rare misfire from a Phil Foden free-kick kept Brighton safe for a moment, but City seemed bound to break through.

The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute, as Mateo Kovacic slipped a perfect pass to Haaland, who slotted it home after Verbruggen initially saved. Haaland nearly scored again minutes later, hitting the post before missing a header from a corner. Brighton, having seen little of the ball, managed only a wide attempt by Kaoru Mitoma, as City held over 70% possession.

Brighton finally showed signs of life when Gvardiol appeared to block Welbeck’s shot with his hand, stirring the crowd. While the home side pressed forward, their only close chance came from a free-kick that Welbeck directed just wide.

Brighton improved significantly in the second half after Carlos Baleba came on in midfield. Mitoma and Jack Hinshelwood each had promising attempts, but City continued to push forward, nearly capitalizing when Haaland set up Savinho, thwarted only by Estupiñán’s clearance.

As Brighton went on the offensive, João Pedro and Brajan Gruda joined the fray, with Pedro making his impact felt immediately by pouncing on a loose ball from Mitoma’s cross to level the score.

The decisive goal arrived moments later as Welbeck and Pedro combined beautifully, setting up O’Riley to slot in the winner. Gvardiol came close to a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, but City’s fate was sealed as Haaland was shown a yellow card after clashing with Jan Paul van Hecke.

This defeat left City with the sobering realization of an unprecedented losing streak as Brighton celebrated a memorable comeback victory.

Author: Rafael Campos