City suffered a second successive Premier League defeat as Yasin Ayari’s early goal earned Brighton a 1-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Ayari struck after 11 minutes and Brighton held on despite increasing pressure from Enzo Maresca’s side, leaving City without a point from their past two league games.
Ayari punishes Man City
Maresca restored several of the players rested for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup meeting between the sides, with Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Josko Gvardiol all returning to the starting XI.
It was Brighton who made the early breakthrough, however. A set-piece was not properly cleared by Manchester City, and Ayari finished with his left foot to give Fabian Hürzeler’s side the lead. City struggled to produce the response expected from the Premier League leaders. Haaland was closely watched by the Brighton defence, while Jeremy Doku and Iliman Ndiaye were unable to provide the breakthrough from wide areas.
Maresca turned to his bench as City chased the game, with Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki among those introduced. Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was called upon during the late pressure, but the visitors protected their advantage.
The result completed an excellent few days at the Etihad for Brighton despite their Carabao Cup elimination on Wednesday. They twice led in that game before City eventually progressed 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw. This time there was no recovery from Maresca’s side.
City had arrived back on home soil looking to respond to last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, but Ayari’s goal instead condemned them to consecutive Premier League losses. After beginning the weekend at the top of the table, City have now opened the door for the teams immediately behind them as a difficult week in the league ended with another setback.
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