Manchester City’s faltering season continued as they twice surrendered the lead in a 2-2 draw against Brighton on Saturday, leaving their Champions League qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
Pep Guardiola’s side took an early lead through an Erling Haaland penalty at the Etihad Stadium, but Pervis Estupinan equalised for Brighton. Omar Marmoush restored City’s advantage just before halftime, but a second-half own goal from Abdukodir Khusanov handed the Seagulls a share of the points.
The result keeps City in fifth place, one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea, who visit Arsenal on Sunday. They remain just one point ahead of Newcastle and seventh-placed Brighton, with only the top four guaranteed Champions League spots—although fifth place could also suffice depending on English clubs’ performances in Europe.
A year ago, City were marching toward a fourth consecutive league title and a sixth in seven years. Now, they face the unthinkable prospect of missing out on Europe’s elite competition.
Brighton, who had won four consecutive league games since their humiliating 7-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest, delivered another impressive performance under Fabian Hurzeler as they continued their push for an unlikely Champions League qualification.
Guardiola made four changes from the shock 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest, bringing in Ilkay Gundogan, Stefan Ortega, Rico Lewis, and Marmoush for Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Ederson, and Matheus Nunes.
City took the lead in the 11th minute when Haaland converted a penalty after Marmoush was brought down by Adam Webster. It was Haaland’s 100th goal involvement in the Premier League—achieved in just 94 appearances, making him the fastest player to reach the milestone.
However, City’s defensive frailties were exposed yet again as Brighton hit back in the 21st minute. Estupinan unleashed a fierce free-kick from 20 yards that caught Ortega off guard, bouncing off the post and into the net.
City responded with chances of their own, as Haaland blazed over from a Gundogan pass and Savinho saw his effort blocked. They regained the lead in the 39th minute when Gundogan intercepted a misplaced Brighton pass and played in Marmoush, who rifled home a powerful strike.
Despite leading at halftime, City’s defence crumbled just minutes into the second half. Adam Webster whipped in a cross, and Jack Hinshelwood’s shot took a cruel deflection off Khusanov, leaving Ortega helpless.
Brighton nearly took the lead when Yankuba Minteh wasted a golden opportunity from close range, while Carlos Baleba blazed over late on with the goal at his mercy.
The result adds further uncertainty to City’s Champions League hopes, with Guardiola’s men needing a strong finish to the season to avoid a disastrous campaign.
