Defensive lapses cost Manchester City valuable points on Wednesday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion at home. The result marks the champions’ third consecutive Premier League match without a win and leaves them five points behind Arsenal.
City took the lead four minutes before halftime when Erling Haaland converted a penalty awarded after Diego Gomez fouled Jeremy Doku in the box. VAR confirmed the decision, and Haaland made no mistake from 12 yards. The goal was his 150th for Manchester City, ended his three-match goal drought, and took him to 20 Premier League goals for the season.
The second half began with City seeking to extend their advantage. Bernardo Silva had an excellent opportunity when he capitalized on a Brighton error, but his shot struck the woodwork. The match became increasingly contentious when a confrontation erupted between City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Brighton’s Maxim De Cuyper, with both players receiving yellow cards.
Brighton’s equalizer came in the 60th minute when City’s defense allowed Kaoru Mitoma too much space. The Japanese international received a pass from the flank, positioned himself at the edge of the penalty area, and guided a low shot into the far corner with precision.
The visitors seized the initiative after scoring, controlling possession and building attacks methodically. They came agonizingly close to taking the lead when Mitoma’s excellent work created a chance for Gomez inside the penalty area, but the midfielder’s effort was saved by Donnarumma. Mitoma’s attempt to convert the rebound from near the byline struck the post. City had one final opportunity to secure all three points when Haaland broke through in stoppage time, but Verbruggen’s outstanding save denied him and ensured the points were shared.