Brighton earned swift revenge for their midweek Carabao Cup exit by beating Manchester City 1-0 at Etihad Stadium, leaving Enzo Maresca’s side with consecutive Premier League defeats.
Fabian Hurzeler’s team had twice gone ahead against City on Wednesday before losing on penalties. Four days later, they secured all three points to move within two points of City, who remain third.
The decisive moment came after only 11 minutes. Matheus Nunes’ attempted clearance went badly wrong, presenting Yasin Ayari with an opportunity that the Brighton forward converted from close range.
Manchester City had a chance to respond soon afterwards when Iliman Ndiaye reached Elliot Anderson’s cross, but the Senegal international headed wide. Ndiaye then tested Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with a powerful effort at the near post.
The former Everton player remained City’s most effective attacking threat after half-time as the hosts tried to find a way back into the contest. Ndiaye broke into space and struck towards goal, only for Verbruggen to make an outstanding save and divert the ball on to the crossbar.
Verbruggen continued to frustrate City, producing another excellent stop to keep out an effort from Nunes. Erling Haaland also failed to trouble the Brighton goalkeeper with a weak header.
City’s leading goalscorer was given little meaningful service throughout the match, while Brighton created opportunities to extend their advantage.
Maxim de Cuyper fired over from 10 yards before forcing Donnarumma into a sharp save with a header. Those openings ultimately went unused, but Brighton were not made to pay for them.
The result completes an impressive response from Hurzeler’s side after their penalty shootout defeat in midweek and maintains their bright start to the season.
