Manchester City’s hopes of securing a Champions League spot took a hit after a 2-2 draw against Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Despite leading twice, City failed to hold on, allowing Brighton to snatch a crucial point.
Pep Guardiola’s side initially took control when Erling Haaland converted a penalty in the 11th minute. The Norwegian striker confidently fired into the bottom corner, marking his 100th Premier League goal involvement in just 94 appearances. However, City’s lead did not last long. In the 21st minute, Pervis Estupiñán equalized for Brighton with a powerful free-kick that left goalkeeper Stefan Ortega rooted to the spot.
City regained the lead just before halftime. A misplaced Brighton pass was intercepted by Ilkay Gündogan, who quickly set up Omar Marmoush. The Egyptian forward made no mistake, smashing the ball into the net to put City ahead once more. But once again, their defensive issues proved costly in the second half.
Just three minutes after the break, Brighton found another equalizer. Adam Webster’s cross into the box led to a shot from Jack Hinshelwood, which took a crucial deflection off City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, leaving Ortega helpless as the ball found the net.
Brighton nearly took the lead late in the match. Yankuba Minteh missed a golden chance from close range after Diego Gómez provided a perfect pass. Carlos Baleba also had a late opportunity but fired over the bar when he seemed certain to score.
With the draw, Manchester City remains in fifth place, trailing fourth-placed Chelsea by one point. Newcastle and Brighton are also close behind, making the battle for Champions League qualification even more intense.
