Manchester City’s rocky start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign continued at the Amex Stadium, where Pep Guardiola’s side fell 2-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite Erling Haaland marking his 100th Premier League appearance with a goal, the Seagulls fought back to seal their first three points of the season — and maintain their unbeaten record against City under Fabian Hürzeler.
Haaland Breaks the Deadlock, but City Waste Chances
The match began with high intensity as both sides carved out early opportunities. Erling Haaland, fresh off his milestone appearance, was denied twice by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen before eventually reacting quickest to a loose ball and slotting home after the half-hour mark. It was a typically ruthless Haaland finish, seemingly setting City on course for victory.
Yet, despite their dominance, City failed to extend their lead. Oscar Bobb missed a golden chance just after halftime, and those wasted opportunities would come back to haunt the defending champions.
Brighton’s Resilient Fightback
Brighton’s persistence was rewarded when former City star James Milner stepped up to equalize from the penalty spot after a Matheus Nunes handball. The veteran’s strike made him the oldest penalty scorer in Premier League history, a moment of poetic justice against his old club.
With momentum shifting, Brighton pressed harder. Substitute Brajan Gruda’s pace unsettled City’s defense, and in the dying minutes, the young forward coolly rounded goalkeeper James Trafford to slot home the winner. The Amex erupted, and Guardiola could only watch in disbelief as his side surrendered yet another lead against the Seagulls.
Guardiola’s Frustration and City’s Sluggish Start
Pep Guardiola’s frustrations were visible on the sidelines. For the second season running, City lost after leading at Brighton, leaving the Catalan tactician scratching his head. Defensive lapses and a lack of composure in front of goal underscore City’s early-season struggles, a concern for fans in Nairobi, Mombasa, and beyond who closely follow the English champions.
With rivals like Arsenal and Liverpool pushing for the top, City’s failure to see out games could have profound implications for their title defense.
What This Means for Brighton
For Brighton, this victory is monumental. It marks Fabian Hürzeler’s first Premier League win this season and once again highlights the Seagulls’ resilience against the league’s most formidable opponents. Kenyan fans who have admired Brighton’s attacking style under Roberto De Zerbi will see continuity under Hürzeler, with the club blending youthful energy and tactical bravery.
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Final Thoughts
Manchester City’s defeat at Brighton highlights early vulnerabilities in Guardiola’s camp, while the Seagulls showed courage and quality to grind out their first win. For Kenyan fans, this game was a reminder that football is unpredictable — and that’s why we love it.
As the Premier League season unfolds, one thing is sure: drama, surprises, and opportunities await, both on the pitch and at Bangbet News.
