Brighton 2-1 City: Fierce clash before the break 🏆
City lost 2-1 to Brighton in their last game before the November international break. Erling Haaland’s opener in the 23rd minute was ultimately not enough as a result of some good passing and possession. Brighton’s Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley picked up wins to keep Brighton’s unbeaten record at the Amex intact.
With six of our regulars missing through injury, including Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish, John Stones and Ruben Dias, our line-up had to dig deeper. Despite this, City remain firmly in second place, just behind Liverpool, with Tottenham next up at the Etihad in a few weeks’ time.
what collapsed
It was the start of a somber evening as we paid our respects to Brighton’s remembrance and laid a wreath before a quiet and respectful crowd at the Amex. Both teams wore poppies to commemorate those who lost their lives in the conflict.
As soon as the whistle blew, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey joined Kyle Walker and Josko Gvardiol in defense. Up front, Haaland, Phil Foden, Matheus Nunes and Sabinho worked together to unsettle the Brighton defence.
First half: City lead but lack finishing
City took the lead from the start, moving the ball well and creating chances. Mateo Kovacic found Sabinho with a sharp pass, but Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was ready and blocked Sabinho’s shot.
Moments later Haaland almost swatted away Foden’s free-kick but failed to convert. But he was not denied for long. In the 23rd minute, Kovacic found him with a perfect pass and Haaland smashed it home.
Haaland continued to apply the pressure, heading home again in the 27th minute before Kovacic fired home from 20 yards but Verbruggen also leveled. Brighton’s first shot came in the 35th minute, when Gvardiol saved Danny Welbeck’s shot to maintain City’s lead.
Brighton started to fight back, but we maintained a slim 1-0 lead until half-time.
Second half: Brighton hit back
Brighton came back lively and Ederson stepped up to save a narrow header to keep City ahead. Our fans almost saw Haaland add to the tally with a curling cross, which Brighton cleared just in time.
As Brighton grew, the rhythm of the game changed. In the 78th minute, Joao Pedro took advantage of a scramble in the box to launch a counterattack towards Brighton. Just five minutes later, he slipped the ball to Matt O’Riley who scored Brighton’s second goal.
Kevin De Bruyne had a last-second shot that went wide in the 89th when Verbruggen was out of reach. There were nine more minutes left and City were unable to find an equalizer.
Manager and team reaction
Guardiola in action
The director recalled: “It will take about 10 days to clear our heads, get the players back and reset. The first half was good. It was really good. We will come back strong.”
Walker’s call for action
“This is a place where we expect experienced players to lead,” Walker said. “We have built a strong foundation over the past eight years, and we will rely on this to help us succeed.”
What’s next for City
City remain second in the Premier League heading into half-time and face a fierce battle with leaders Liverpool. After a brief break from international football, City return to action against Tottenham on November 23, followed by a Champions League clash with Feyenoord at the Etihad.
