By Manchester City stumbled again in the battle to secure a return to the Champions League. They were pegged back twice by fellow top-five challengers Brighton. It was an entertaining encounter at Etihad Stadium.
Erling Haaland became the first player to reach 100 Premier League goal involvements in fewer than 100 games. He marked his 94th appearance in the competition with his 84th goal. He sent Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen the wrong way with his 11th-minute penalty.
In a game of superb goals, Pervis Estupinan levelled with a curling free-kick that bounced in off a post. City keeper Stefan Ortega, in for injured first-choice Ederson, did not cover himself in glory. He initially moved to his right before changing direction. Eventually, he watched the ball go in with a shocked look on his face.
Omar Marmoush levelled with a superb 20-yard strike into the bottom corner. However, City’s brittle defence let them down again three minutes after the restart. Abdukodir Khusanov diverted Jack Hinshelwood’s effort into his own net.
In a frenzied finish, City manager Pep Guardiola grew increasingly irritated at referee Simon Hooper. The irritation followed challenges on Josko Gvardiol and Bernardo Silva. Bernardo Silva had to be replaced 18 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Nico Gonzalez hit a post as the hosts pressed. Brighton have never won an away game against City. They were claiming their first point in the fixture since 1982. Brighton should have claimed victory. Carlos Baleba ballooned a shot over the bar. He arrived with a perfectly timed run. Carlos Baleba met Joao Pedro’s cross unmarked in a central position 12 yards out.
City slip up
It is now four points in four games for Guardiola’s side.
Any hope of retaining their title had long since disappeared. However, it felt as though a partial return to form would be enough. This would guide them into next season’s Champions League with something to spare.
That expectation is slowly eroding even if their run-in includes meetings with Leicester City, Wolves and Southampton.
Guardiola’s extended post-match chat with Hooper underlined his unhappiness at how the game had been officiated. However, he will also know Brighton were the equal of his side. His team was fortunate to escape with a point due to Baleba’s terrible miss.
Presently, City lack consistency.
Last week they could not take advantage of some decent approach play. This time around, they could find the net. However, they had no control in central midfield. Gonzalez and Ilkay Gundogan found it difficult to stem the visitors’ midfield. This allowed Brighton too much space around the penalty area.
Jeremy Doku was unfortunate to be cautioned for a dive. He was leaping out of harm’s way as Jan Paul van Hecke thundered in. Doku flattered to deceive on the left. Savinho did not even do that on the right once he had wasted an excellent first-half chance.
Despite this, Jack Grealish remained on the bench throughout. The new England boss, Thomas Tuchel, omitted Grealish on Friday. Grealish is really at a crossroads in his career as the campaign draws to a close.
Gomez shines for Brighton
Brighton have mastered the art of scouting unknown players from South America. They transform them into valuable Premier League stars.
Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister are now plying their trade with Chelsea and Liverpool respectively. Estupinan’s first Premier League goal since December 2023 was a reminder of how good the Ecuador defender can be.
Diego Gomez does not belong in the same unknown category. He spent 2024 playing alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
However, at 21 the Paraguay midfielder is a long way from his peak. Already he has the makings of being ideally suited to the hustle and bustle of Premier League life.
He executed a perfectly timed sliding tackle on Haaland to prevent the Norwegian threatening the Brighton goal. He also moved into advanced positions. However, he did not quite profit from Van Hecke’s cross or Mitoma’s intended throughball. His was an eye-catching display.
Gomez delivered a low second-half cross. It brought a look of incredulity on Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler’s face. Yankuba Minteh somehow failed to get the touch needed. That touch would have given Brighton the lead for the first time in history at this stadium.
Gomez had played a full part in an excellent Brighton performance. This was by the time he was substituted 15 minutes from time. It was historic in the sense of achieving a point. On only his second Premier League start, he has so much more to offer.
