Manchester City’s shaky start to the Premier League season continued after a shock 2-1 defeat at Brighton, despite Erling Haaland marking his 100th league appearance with another milestone goal.
Haaland, who has now scored 88 goals in the Premier League since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, opened the scoring in the 34th minute. However, his strike was not enough to prevent Pep Guardiola’s side from collapsing late in the game.
James Milner equalized for Brighton with a 67th-minute penalty, his first Premier League goal since 2019, before 19-year-old Brajan Gruda sealed the upset in the 89th minute with a composed finish.
The result deepened City’s early-season struggles, coming just a week after their 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham. Despite Rodri returning to the starting lineup after a lengthy injury layoff, the Ballon d’Or holder was unable to inspire a turnaround.
Haaland had multiple missed chances before his goal, including a one-on-one with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who later made several crucial saves to keep Brighton in the contest.
Milner’s penalty, won after Lewis Dunk’s strike hit Matheus Nunes’ arm, gave the Seagulls momentum before Gruda’s late strike sent the Amex Stadium into raptures and left Guardiola stunned on the sidelines.
What you should know
Manchester City’s defeat to Brighton highlights their faltering early form, with two consecutive league losses piling pressure on Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Haaland’s prolific scoring record continues, but City’s defensive lapses and missed chances have left them vulnerable as Liverpool prepare to face Arsenal in a crucial title clash.
