Brighton stunned Manchester City 2-1 in a dramatic Premier League encounter on November 9, 2024, dealing Pep Guardiola’s side their fourth consecutive defeat for the first time under his leadership. The defeat was particularly painful for City, as they had led the match for most of the game following a first-half goal by Erling Haaland.
City started the game strongly, dominating the early exchanges and taking the lead through Haaland. The Norwegian striker capitalized on a quick break to score in the 30th minute, tapping home after his initial shot was saved by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. However, City’s dominance faltered as the game wore on, and despite several missed chances from Brighton, the visitors’ failure to extend their lead proved costly.
Brighton, who had been struggling to break through City’s defense, turned the match on its head in the final 12 minutes. The Seagulls came alive after making key substitutions, with Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley proving to be the difference-makers. Pedro, who had recently recovered from injury, equalized in the 78th minute, pouncing on a loose ball in the box after a scrappy sequence of events. The goal injected renewed energy into Brighton, and just five minutes later, O’Riley, also making his Premier League debut after recovering from an ankle injury, fired home to give Brighton a 2-1 lead.
The atmosphere at the Amex Stadium was electric as the home side surged forward, buoyed by their late goals. For City, frustration mounted as they failed to find an equalizer despite a nine-minute stoppage time period. Substitutes Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva had opportunities to salvage a point, but De Bruyne’s effort curled wide, and Silva’s shot was off target. City’s defensive frailty was exposed, with Josko Gvardiol heading a late chance wide from a corner.
In his post-match comments, Guardiola acknowledged that City had been poor in the second half, failing to maintain the intensity and aggression that had served them well in the opening period. “We played really well in the first half,” Guardiola said, “but in the second half, we couldn’t keep up the pressure and intensity.” He also pointed to the team’s injuries as a key factor in their struggles. Despite the defeat, Guardiola remained optimistic, insisting that once key players return to full fitness, City will be back to their best.
Brighton, on the other hand, were delighted with their late turnaround. Manager Fabian Hurzeler praised the impact of his substitutes, particularly Pedro and O’Riley, who made a significant difference. “We showed that we can beat the establishment,” Hurzeler said, referencing their win over a team that has dominated the league in recent seasons. The victory moved Brighton into the top four, albeit temporarily, and gave the squad a much-needed boost of confidence.
The loss for City added to their growing troubles in the Premier League. This defeat followed a sequence of losses to Bournemouth, Tottenham, and Sporting, leaving them vulnerable in the title race. With challenging fixtures ahead, including matches against Tottenham, Liverpool, and Manchester United, Guardiola’s team faces a crucial period in their season.
Brighton’s win, on the other hand, was a testament to their resilience and quality. With key players like Pedro and O’Riley showing their potential, Brighton will be hoping to continue their strong form and secure a spot in the top half of the table. Their ability to battle back from a goal down against one of the best teams in the world is a sign of their growing confidence and ambition.
In the end, it was a historic win for Brighton, while City’s poor form leaves questions about their ability to recover and mount a serious title challenge. The upcoming weeks will be critical for both sides as they aim to turn their respective fortunes around.
