Manchester City Forced To Disappointing Draw By Brighton At Etihad

 

Manchester City shared points with Brighton in a comeback that robbed the side of their early lead from a penalty.  The quest to make a spot in the top four continues to elude the Citizens, who remained beneath the borderline with a point deficit. 

Having to share points with Brighton did not look good on City despite a fair share of dominance. There is no title in view for the side, missing out on a Champions League appearance will be even more unpleasant. 

Erling Haaland set the tone by scoring from a penalty drawn from Webster's tackle on Marmoush. The Seagull later leveled from Estupinan's free-kick that beat Sergio Ortega. 

The Citizens restored their lead before halftime as Ilkay Gundogan played in Marmoush inside the box and he lashed the box bottom-left corner. Unfortunately for City, Abdukobir Khusanov deflected into the net Hinshelwood's shot for an own goal following a build-up from Georginio Rutter's cross. 

Manchester City maintain an unbeaten run against Brighton in 15 games. However, the Seagulls maintain the top seven position in seventh place. 

Overview 

Minteh and Joao Pedro were big trouble for Manchester City in a game that should have gone the Citizens' way but was ruined by Khushanov's own goal. The Seagulls had great chances to go in the lead, particularly Pedro's attempt from inside the box that narrowly missed the goal. 

Haaland didn't have the space to trouble the Seagulls though he set the Citizens ahead from a penalty. City maintained pressure from the wings from both Jeremy Doku and Savinho, but they could not connect the balls to Haaland neither could they convert their chances. Van Kecke stopped Savinho's great chance from close range.