EPL: Brighton Stun Man City with Late Comeback to Hand Champions Second Successive Defeat

Manchester City suffered another blow to their Premier League campaign after squandering a lead in a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.

Erling Haaland, making his 100th Premier League appearance, gave City the advantage with his 88th league goal since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. However, James Milner equalised from the penalty spot in the second half before German youngster Brajan Gruda struck in the 89th minute to seal a dramatic victory for the Seagulls.

The result leaves Pep Guardiola’s men without a win in two games following last weekend’s 2-0 home loss to Tottenham.

City welcomed back Spain international Rodri, who started his first league game since sustaining a serious knee injury against Arsenal in September 2024. But despite his presence in midfield, the champions lacked control and composure.

Haaland wasted several chances before breaking the deadlock in the 34th minute, stabbing home after Omar Marmoush’s assist. City had opportunities to extend their lead before halftime, but Rodri fired over following a mistake from Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton fought back in the second half when Lewis Dunk’s shot struck the arm of Matheus Nunes, leading to a penalty that Milner calmly dispatched—his first Premier League goal since 2019, making him the second-oldest scorer in the competition’s history at 39, behind Teddy Sheringham. Milner paid tribute to his late former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota by mimicking his celebration.

City’s defensive lapses continued, and Gruda punished them with a composed late finish to seal Brighton’s famous win, leaving Guardiola visibly frustrated on the touchline.

Elsewhere, West Ham eased pressure on manager Graham Potter with a convincing 3-0 victory at Nottingham Forest, courtesy of late strikes from Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta (penalty), and Callum Wilson.

With City faltering, attention now turns to Anfield where Liverpool and Arsenal, both with perfect starts, face off in a high-stakes clash that could shape the title race early in the season.