Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola has experienced an unfamiliar and humbling setback, as Brighton & Hove Albion handed his Premier League champions a fourth consecutive defeat.
This marks the first time City have endured such a run since 2006, and for Guardiola, the streak is unprecedented during his tenure at the club. The last time he faced a similar challenge was back in 2014-15 while managing Bayern Munich, a sequence only partially softened by a penalty shootout loss.
Goalgetter media’s publisher, Damilola Amuda (Goalgetter) was on-site at the Amex Stadium to witness the game.
City appeared to be on the right track to put an end to their poor run of form early on, especially after Erling Haaland struck in the 23rd minute. Capitalizing on Mateo Kovacic’s pass, Haaland scored at the second attempt, bagging his 12th Premier League goal of the season and setting the tone for what many thought would be a recovery for the reigning champions.
However, Brighton had other plans. Despite a shaky start, the Seagulls rallied, showing immense grit and composure. The hosts dominated the second half, pinning City back and creating waves of relentless pressure. Though Brighton’s finishing let them down on several occasions, their persistence paid off. Substitute Joao Pedro seized his moment in the 78th minute, pouncing on a loose ball in a crowded penalty area to bring Brighton level. Just minutes later, Matt O’Riley—making a long-awaited return from injury—took full advantage of City’s shaky defense. Bursting through a fragile backline, he calmly slotted past Ederson, giving Brighton a well-deserved lead.
The signs of City’s defensive vulnerabilities were apparent throughout. Missing the presence and stability of Ruben Dias and John Stones, Guardiola’s side seemed unusually exposed to Brighton’s relentless attacks. Kaoru Mitoma’s speed and trickery made life miserable for Kyle Walker, while City’s midfield missed the calming influence of Rodri. As a result, the champions were left clinging desperately, with their usual air of composure nowhere to be found.
Brighton’s confidence grew as they repeatedly pushed City back. The Amex Stadium has been a fortress this season, with both Manchester United and Tottenham already falling victim to the Seagulls. Yet, this triumph was perhaps the most satisfying of Fabian Hurzeler’s burgeoning managerial career. At just 31 years old, the young German coach has continued the club’s tradition of attacking, fearless football, building on the foundations laid by Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi. His energy and charisma have captured the hearts of Brighton fans, and his tactics were on full display against the reigning champions.
Guardiola, meanwhile, is left to regroup and reflect. The sight of Kevin de Bruyne making a late appearance off the bench offered some hope, but the manager will be keenly aware of the work needed to restore City’s dominance. With a long list of injuries and key players still absent, Guardiola’s squad faces an uphill battle. The upcoming international break provides a crucial window for recovery and reflection before City face Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on November 23.
While Manchester City’s championship pedigree is undeniable, this dip in form and the vulnerabilities exposed by Brighton have injected new excitement into the Premier League title race. Guardiola’s men may yet bounce back, but their rivals will be emboldened, sensing a rare opportunity to challenge the seemingly invincible champions. Brighton, on the other hand, continue to rise, riding high under Hurzeler’s dynamic leadership, with their sights set on even more impressive scalps.
