Brighton delivered a remarkable performance at the Etihad Stadium, defeating Manchester City 1 0 to secure their first league victory at the venue. Yasin Ayari’s early finish proved decisive as Fabian Hurzeler’s squad responded brilliantly to their midweek Carabao Cup elimination.
The visitors broke the deadlock in the 11th minute after Matheus Nunes failed to clear Maxim de Cuyper’s delivery. Ayari reacted quickly, directing the loose ball into the net to register his third Premier League goal of the campaign.
City attempted to respond immediately, with Iliman Ndiaye emerging as their biggest attacking threat. The Senegalese forward narrowly missed a header before testing goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with a powerful attempt.
Following the interval, Ndiaye produced another dangerous effort, but Verbruggen demonstrated outstanding reflexes to divert the shot onto the crossbar. The Dutch goalkeeper subsequently denied Nunes, while Erling Haaland struggled to make an impact against Brighton’s disciplined defence.
Despite registering 21 attempts, City failed to score in a Premier League fixture for the first time in 25 matches.
Brighton also created opportunities to increase their advantage. De Cuyper missed a promising chance from close range before forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into an important save.
The result marked City’s second consecutive league defeat under Enzo Maresca, following their previous setback against Aston Villa. After beginning his managerial tenure with seven successive victories, Maresca now faces questions regarding his team’s attacking efficiency and midfield organisation.
For Brighton, the triumph ended a sequence of 16 unsuccessful league visits to Manchester City. Their energetic pressing, defensive organisation and clinical finishing highlighted their growing confidence.
With 24 league goals this season, Brighton remain the competition’s leading scorers and have moved within two points of third placed City, strengthening their ambitions for a successful campaign.
