Manchester City 0-1 Brighton: Report, result and goals as Seagulls get revenge for Carabao Cup defeat

Manchester City missed the chance to return to the top of the Premier League after suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Brighton at the Etihad Stadium.

Yasin Ayari scored the only goal of the game in the 11th minute as the visitors produced an excellent defensive display to frustrate Enzo Maresca’s side.

City dominated possession for much of the second half but struggled to break down Brighton, with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen making several important saves to preserve his side’s lead.

Brighton made a confident start and took the lead after just 11 minutes following a mistake in the City defence.

A low cross was delivered towards Maxim De Cuyper at the far post, and after Matheus Nunes failed to clear, the ball ricocheted off the Belgian into Ayari’s path.

The midfielder made no mistake from close range, firing past Gianluigi Donnarumma to put the visitors ahead.

City responded positively, with Iliman Ndiaye looking particularly dangerous down the right flank.

The forward should have equalised in the 23rd minute when Elliot Anderson picked him out with a teasing cross, but his header drifted narrowly wide.

Ndiaye then produced an excellent individual run before firing straight at Verbruggen, while Erling Haaland struggled to make an impact against Brighton’s well-organised defence.

Jeremy Doku also caused problems down the left, although the winger wasted a promising opening when he attempted one dribble too many inside the penalty area.

City came close shortly before half-time when Haaland was released through on goal, but Lewis Dunk produced an excellent sliding block to deny the Norwegian.

Verbruggen frustrates City as Brighton hold firm

Brighton almost doubled their advantage shortly after the restart when Diego Gomez released Ayari down the right.

The goalscorer delivered a low cross towards De Cuyper, but the Belgian fired over the crossbar from a promising position.

City gradually increased the pressure, with Ndiaye producing another dangerous run before forcing Verbruggen into a save that diverted his effort onto the woodwork.

Maresca introduced Rayan Cherki in an attempt to spark his attack, and the hosts began to enjoy more possession in Brighton’s half.

Nunes then had a good opportunity to equalise when he was played through behind the visitors’ defence, but Verbruggen was again equal to his effort.

Brighton continued to defend superbly, with Luka Vuskovic and Dunk helping restrict Haaland’s involvement in the penalty area.

City introduced Nico O’Reilly before turning to Phil Foden and Allan for the closing stages.

Ndiaye wasted another opportunity when he failed to turn O’Reilly’s low cross towards goal from a tight angle.

Brighton almost put the result beyond doubt in the 88th minute when substitute Georginio Rutter released Jack Hinshelwood through on goal.

The midfielder lifted his effort over Donnarumma but could only find the side-netting.

City went straight up the other end and nearly equalised when Abdukodir Khusanov’s powerful strike was saved by Verbruggen.

The rebound fell to O’Reilly, whose header drifted agonisingly wide of the post.

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Upcoming fixtures for Manchester City and Brighton

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