Four losses on the bounce for Pep Guardiola? Really? But then, even Pep is human. Manchester City’s ongoing struggle continued in surprising fashion as Brighton & Hove Albion overturned an early deficit to defeat the reigning champions 2-1 at the Amex Stadium.
In a match that had City fans hoping to see an end to their recent slump, it was Brighton’s relentless energy in the second half that stole the show, securing a memorable comeback.
The Cityzens started strong, and when Erling Haaland fired in Mateo Kovacic’s cross in the 23rd minute, it looked like business as usual for the champions. Haaland’s 12th Premier League goal this season seemed to confirm that City had found their rhythm again after three straight losses—a run Guardiola has only experienced once before, during his time with Bayern Munich.
But Brighton had other plans. As the second half unfolded, they piled on the pressure, exploiting gaps in a City defence missing the composure of Ruben Dias and John Stones. It wasn’t long before the equaliser came, with Joao Pedro pouncing on a loose ball in the 78th minute after City failed to clear a scramble in their box. Five minutes later, Matt O’Riley, who recently returned from injury, broke through a vulnerable City defence to seal the win with a sharp finish.
For City, the afternoon became a test of endurance they ultimately failed, with missed opportunities to build on Haaland’s opener. Lapses in midfield control, especially without Rodri’s stabilizing presence, exposed vulnerabilities that Brighton exploited quickly. While Kevin De Bruyne’s return as a late substitute offered a glimmer of hope, it wasn’t enough to prevent another setback to City’s momentum.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, who is one of the youngest managers in Premier League history, at just 31, encouraged his players to attack the champions with full belief. The Seagulls, buoyed by Hurzeler’s bold leadership, kept City under pressure and ultimately cracked their defences.
This win adds another big scalp to Hurzeler’s impressive resume, with previous victories over Manchester United and Spurs at home. But toppling City with a comeback from behind? That felt like a new level.
With the international break around the corner, Guardiola will be relieved to have time to regroup, recalibrate, and refresh his injury-hit squad. After six Premier League titles, maybe another team is ready to take the crown. But, knowing Guardiola, this chapter of losses will only fuel a fierce response when City return to the Etihad against Tottenham on November 23rd.
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