Brighton secure first-ever win at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City

Manchester City suffered their second consecutive Premier League defeat, losing 1-0 to Brighton at the Etihad Stadium. This marks the first time under manager Enzo Maresca that City has experienced back-to-back league losses. The defeat follows a setback against Aston Villa, and City had not faced consecutive league defeats since August 2025.

Brighton took the lead in the first half through Yasin Ayari, who capitalised on a mistake from Matheus Nunes. Despite being eliminated from the Carabao Cup just days earlier, Brighton displayed strong performances, especially in the first half. They managed to withstand a barrage of pressure from City in the second half, showcasing their resilience and tactical discipline.

City dominated possession and created numerous chances but failed to convert them into goals. Bart Verbruggen, Brighton's goalkeeper, was instrumental in their victory, making seven crucial saves throughout the match. City came close to equalising multiple times, including a shot from Iliman Ndiaye that hit the crossbar and a close-range effort from Nunes that was saved.

Brighton's victory is historic as it marks their first win at the Etihad Stadium. With a record points total at this stage of the season, Brighton's performance has led to discussions about their potential as title contenders. Manager Fabian Hurzeler praised his team's defensive mindset and their ability to withstand pressure, highlighting their strong team spirit and tactical clarity.

Maresca acknowledged the need for improvement, citing the 'silly goals' conceded as a concern. He expressed disappointment over the missed opportunities but emphasised the importance of moving forward. Brighton's triumph adds to their growing list of achievements this season, including a previous victory over Arsenal.

via Sky Sports