Man City player ratings v Brighton: Doku bright but Haaland frustrated in defeat

City suffered a second successive Premier League defeat as Yasin Ayari’s early goal gave Brighton a 1-0 victory at the Etihad.

Enzo Maresca’s side had plenty of possession and pushed for an equaliser, but Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and a disciplined defence kept them out.

Man City player ratings v Brighton

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6

Little he could do about Ayari’s close-range finish and was not particularly busy thereafter.

Matheus Nunes – 5

Back in the side following injury but made the mistake which led to Brighton’s goal, failing to deal with the ball across City’s penalty area. Improved as the game went on and tested Verbruggen after the break.

Abdukodir Khusanov – 6

Generally steady alongside Dias and dealt reasonably well with Brighton when the visitors attempted to break.

Ruben Dias – 6

City spent long periods on the front foot, leaving Dias to manage Brighton’s counter-attacks. Solid enough without being able to change the course of the game.

Josko Gvardiol – 6

Pushed forward whenever possible and gave City another option down the left. Brighton largely kept him away from the areas where he could cause serious problems.

Ayyoub Bouaddi – 6

The only player retained from Wednesday’s cup starting XI. Neat in possession and helped City control midfield, although Brighton were comfortable allowing much of that possession.

Elliot Anderson – 7

One of City’s better performers. Kept the ball moving and tried to increase the tempo as Brighton dropped deeper.

Enzo Fernández – 5

Unable to make enough happen in the advanced midfield role. City needed more creativity through the middle and Fernández was replaced by Cherki after 75 minutes.

Iliman Ndiaye – 7

Came closest to an equaliser when Verbruggen produced an excellent save to turn his effort onto the post. Remained involved as City increased the pressure and went close again late on.

Jeremy Doku – 7 – Man City MOTM

City’s most persistent attacking threat. Continued to run at Brighton’s defence and forced Verbruggen into action, although the final breakthrough never arrived.

Erling Haaland – 5

A frustrating afternoon. Brighton limited the service into him, and Verbruggen dealt with his best headed opportunity. City needed their striker involved more often.

Substitute

Rayan Cherki – 6

Replaced Fernández for the final 15 minutes and gave City another creative option as they chased an equaliser, but Brighton held firm.

City had enough of the game to avoid defeat but not enough quality in the final third. Doku and Ndiaye provided most of the threat, while Haaland endured a rare quiet afternoon as Brighton protected Ayari’s early goal.

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