Man City v Brighton
Play By Play
Brighton cause an upset here at the Etihad, as the beat Manchester City 1-0 thanks to an early goal by Ayari! The Swede gave the visitors the lead in the 11th minute, as the ball fell kindly to him in front of goal before beating Donnarumma from close range. City had several chances before the break, but Ndiaye saw an effort saved by Verbruggen, before Haaland’s only chance of the match was blocked by Dunk. The Dutchman ended the match on seven saves but was never truly tested by the hosts. His best save may have been deep into added time, when he stood firm at his near post to stop Doku’s strike. Hinshelwood hit the side-netting for Brighton late on with a delicate chip over Donnarumma, but it did not matter in the end as they held on for the three points! The hosts accumulated 1.92 xG, with Brighton having exactly 1.0 xG. The visitors remain in third place but are now just two points off league leaders City. Next up for City in the league is Nottingham Forest away, where they will try to end their two-game losing run. For Brighton, they host Brentford at the Amex. That is all from us here. Brighton are in dreamland once again, and maybe this could be a special season for Hurzeler’s team. Thank you and goodbye!
FULL-TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 0-1 BRIGHTON
WAS THAT THE CHANCE! Doku is trying to sprinkle a bit of magic and get the equalising goal for City as he jinks down the left into the box. He has a go from a very tight angle, but Verbruggen stands tall to block him at the near post.
City putting all the pressure on now - Brighton are still defending superbly!
There will be a minimum of just four minutes of added time.
WHISKERS WIDE! Now City go close at the other end. Khusanov sees a powerful strike saved by Verbruggen, before it bounces up to O’Reilly. He takes on the header, but everyone can only stand and watch it go just wide of the post.
SIDE-NETTING! Brighton are so close to sealing the game. Rutter is once again brilliant, slowing the counter down and waiting for a teammate. He slips a pass through the City backtrackers, finding Hinshelwood’s run. He dinks Donnarumma, but into the side-netting!
Rutter shows why he was just introduced, as he holds off three City players, before winning his side a corner.
Brighton’s final change sees Rutter introduced, as Gomez makes way for the Seagulls.
The substitutions of Allan and Foden have lifted the City fans. The hosts are now enjoying all of the play, but they remain behind.
Gross is booked for Brighton, as he grabs the arm of the advancing Allan.
Gvardiol also makes way for City, as Foden is on in a desperate attempt to find the breakthrough.
Maresca now makes his final two changes. The first sees Allan introduced for Ndiaye.
ANOTHER CHANCE FOR NDIAYE! A brilliant driven pass across the face of goal by O’Reilly falls to Ndiaye at the far post. He takes a first-time shot, but he cannot get the effort on target from a tight angle.
Can City find a way? They are struggling to create any decent chances now – the crowd seem frustrated. Foden still remains on the bench for City, would he be a game changer?
Just under 20 minutes, plus some added time, for Brighton to hold out for now. They have defended excellently, not allowing City many chances to find an equaliser.
Kostoulas also makes way after a quiet afternoon. On in his place is Hinshelwood.
De Cuyper, who got the assist for the goal, departs for Yalcouye.
On that chance for Nunes earlier on, it may have beaten Verbruggen if it didn’t take a flick off Vuskovic on the way. The slight touch brought the ball closer to the goalkeeper, allowing him to make the stop.
City are now driving towards getting their equaliser. Since the restart, they have had 68% possession, as well as seven shots.
Fernandez makes way for City, as O’Reilly is on for his 50th Premier League appearance.
Andres also makes way for Brighton in the double change, as Wieffer is on in his place.
Changes for both sides coming up. The first sees Hadjam come on for Boscagli.
VERBRUGGEN TO THE RESCUE! Nunes is slipped in behind the Brighton backline and cuts back onto his left inside the box. His effort isn't the cleanest of strikes and is saved by Verbruggen again.
Haaland and the City fans are once again angry with the lack of a decision from the officials, as Vuskovic blocks a ball going to Haaland, before Verbruggen picks it up. They think it is a back pass, but the referee isn't interested.
