Brighton claimed a surprise 1-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, handing Enzo Maresca’s side their second straight Premier League defeat.
Yasin Ayari scored the only goal in the 11th minute as Brighton secured all three points and moved within two points of third-placed City.
The victory also gave Brighton revenge after City knocked them out of the Carabao Cup on penalties earlier in the week.
City made a costly mistake early in the match when Matheus Nunes failed to clear Maxim de Cuyper’s cross. The ball fell to Ayari, who made no mistake from close range.
The hosts pushed for an equaliser and nearly found one through Iliman Ndiaye. The forward headed Elliot Anderson’s cross wide before forcing Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen into a save. City continued to create chances after the break, but Verbruggen stood firm.
Ndiaye came close again when he raced through on goal and fired a powerful shot. However, Verbruggen produced a fine save to push the ball onto the crossbar.
The Brighton goalkeeper also denied Nunes, while Erling Haaland failed to trouble him with a weak header. Brighton had chances to increase their lead as well. De Cuyper fired over from close range before forcing City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into a sharp save.
Despite those missed opportunities, Fabian Hurzeler’s side held on for an important away victory. The result ended City’s run of scoring in 24 consecutive Premier League matches. Maresca’s men failed to find the net despite taking 19 shots.
City had started the league season with seven straight wins under Maresca. However, defeats against Aston Villa and Brighton have now raised questions about their recent form.
Haaland struggled to make an impact as City failed to provide him with enough chances. Their midfield also struggled to control the game. Brighton, meanwhile, continued their impressive start to the campaign and extended their unbeaten league run against City to five matches.
