A second-half fightback from the Seagulls, capped by a Brajan Gruda winner, hands the reigning champions a second straight defeat and prompts a period of soul-searching.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was left frustrated by what he described as a second-half “collapse” as his side surrendered a lead to lose 2-1 to a resilient Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, marking a concerning second consecutive Premier League defeat for the champions.
The match turned on a pivotal moment in the 67th minute. With City leading 1-0 from an Erling Haaland goal, a cross struck the arm of midfielder Matheus Nunes as he protected his face, resulting in a penalty. Veteran James Milner, facing his former club, held his nerve to become the oldest player to score a Premier League penalty at 39 years and 239 days, drilling the ball home to level the score.
The goal ignited the Amex Stadium and completely shifted the momentum. City, who had looked in control for the first hour, suddenly seemed rattled. “We concede the goal and after that, it shifted,” a reflective Guardiola told Sky Sports after the match. “Until then it was really, really good… After the last half an hour, we were not good. We forgot to pass the ball.”
The winner came late on, a devastating blow for the visitors. German midfielder Brajan Gruda beat the offside trap, coolly rounded goalkeeper James Trafford, and slotted into an empty net to send the home fans into delirium and secure Brighton’s first win of the season.
The result leaves City in an uncharacteristic 12th position with just three points from their first three games, prompting midfielder Rodri to admit the team is “not at the level for a long, long time.” He pointed to the significant squad changes as a factor, stating, “new players have to adapt, and of course when you change the team that much it is difficult. This is our reality.”
For Brighton and their hero Milner, it was a day of pure celebration. The goal was especially poignant for the midfielder, who dedicated his celebration to his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, who passed away in July. Milner is wearing Jota’s number 20 this season as a tribute.
“I was trying to stay calm,” Milner said of his penalty. “It’s not the easiest thing but I hope my years of experience helped… Obviously Jots meant so much to everyone. It is an honour to wear his number.”
With a daunting post-international break schedule that includes matches against Manchester United and Arsenal, Guardiola and his team face a critical period to rediscover their championship form.
Similar Posts:
- Late Gruda Stunner Completes Brighton’s Comeback to Stun Manchester City
- Guardiola Confronts Brighton’s Van Hecke and Reflects on City’s Struggles After Fourth Straight Loss
- Guardiola praises players for shaking off hangovers as he details boozy celebrations
- Pep Guardiola Confirms Rodri Out for “Long, Long Time” After Knee Injury in Arsenal Clash
- Guardiola Praises Incoming United Manager Ruben Amorim, But Questions If He Can Rival Manchester City’s Dominance
Istanbul old city tour The Istanbul city tour was the highlight of my trip, full of history and culture. https://www.marketing-makeovers.co.uk/?p=1046