Manchester City’s recent slump continued in surprising fashion as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton, marking their fourth consecutive loss under Pep Guardiola—a historic low for the club.
Also Read: EPL Live! Brighton vs Manchester City Players Rating (9th November, 2024)
The game began optimistically for City when star striker Erling Haaland struck in the 23rd minute, putting them in control.
However, despite several first-half chances to extend their lead, City failed to capitalize, allowing Brighton to stay in the game and find their rhythm in the second half.
Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hurzeler, shifted the game’s momentum through a series of smart substitutions that paid off quickly. One of these substitutes, Joao Pedro, leveled the score in the 78th minute with a composed finish that caught City’s defense off guard.
The drama escalated just five minutes later when Matt O’Riley, who recently returned from injury, scored the winning goal on his Premier League debut. O’Riley’s goal came from a well-executed team move, showcasing Brighton’s cohesiveness and precision, which City struggled to match in the latter stages.
Following the game, former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp offered sharp criticism of City’s performance, particularly their poor second-half display, which he described as one of the worst halves he had seen from a Pep Guardiola-led side.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Redknapp pointed out City’s lack of defensive organization and spirit, remarking that players appeared unwilling to engage in crucial individual battles and forward passes when needed.
He noted that City’s two center-backs seemed unfamiliar with each other, making crucial errors and allowing Brighton to exploit gaps in the defense.
Redknapp’s analysis underlined the depth of City’s current struggles, which are unusual for Guardiola’s typically well-oiled side. He observed that although City dominated the first half and should have been leading by at least three goals, they fell apart as soon as Brighton increased the pressure.
Redknapp highlighted how this breakdown in confidence allowed Brighton to seize control, and he pointed to City’s lack of resilience and leadership on the pitch in such situations.
Brighton’s win lifted them temporarily into the Premier League’s top four, highlighting the effectiveness of Hurzeler’s tactical changes and the team’s determination to compete with top-tier teams.
For Manchester City, this historic loss underscores growing concerns about the squad’s recent form and raises questions about how they will navigate the challenges of the season ahead.
