Man City held to 2-2 home draw by Brighton

Manchester City’s pursuit of a Champions League spot suffered another setback as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion in a thrilling Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium. The result leaves City’s hopes of securing a top-four finish increasingly uncertain.

Erling Haaland made history, becoming the first player to reach 100 Premier League goal involvements in under 100 games. He scored his 84th league goal in his 94th appearance, converting an 11th-minute penalty.

Brighton, however, equalized with a superb Pervis Estupinan free-kick that curled in off the post. City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, deputizing for the injured Ederson, arguably could have done better, initially moving to his right before the ball struck the net.

Omar Marmoush put City back in front with a superb 20-yard strike into the bottom corner. However, City’s defensive frailties were exposed again just three minutes after the restart, as Abdukodir Khusanov diverted Jack Hinshelwood’s effort into his own net.

The closing stages were frantic. City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration with referee Simon Hooper on several occasions, most notably when Jeremy Doku was booked for diving after jumping to avoid a challenge from Jan Paul van Hecke. “If he doesn’t jump, he can break his leg,” Guardiola said. “He goes onto the grass to make a tackle and Jeremy jumps so there is no contact. Jeremy is not a diving player. They should know it. But it is what it is. We didn’t win or lose for that decision.”

Nico Gonzalez struck the post for City. However, it was Brighton, seeking their first away win against City since 1982, who had the best chance to win the match. Carlos Baleba, arriving unmarked in the box, blazed a shot over the bar from Joao Pedro’s cross. There was also an injury concern, as Bernardo Silva had to be replaced.

The draw leaves Manchester City with ground to make up in the race for Champions League qualification, while Brighton’s impressive performance underlines their own European aspirations. The match highlighted City’s attacking prowess, with Haaland’s landmark achievement, but also their defensive vulnerabilities and a growing sense of frustration for Guardiola.