BRIGHTON STUN MANCHESTER CITY WITH 2-1 COMEBACK WIN AS HAALAND’S MILESTONE GOAL FALLS SHORT
Read Time:2 Minute, 40 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
Manchester City’s troubled start to the Premier League season deepened on Saturday as they squandered the lead in a shock 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
Erling Haaland, making his 100th Premier League appearance, put City ahead with his 88th goal in the competition, but James Milner’s penalty and a late strike from German youngster Brajan Gruda sealed a memorable comeback for the Seagulls.
The defeat follows last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Tottenham, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side searching for form early in the campaign.
Haaland, 25, had several chances before eventually breaking through in the 34th minute, stabbing home after Omar Marmoush’s pass. The Norwegian forward could have extended City’s lead but was denied multiple times by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
City’s control unraveled in the second half when Lewis Dunk’s shot struck Matheus Nunes’ arm, prompting a penalty. James Milner, 39, converted coolly in the 67th minute to score his first Premier League goal since 2019 making him the second-oldest scorer in league history behind Teddy Sheringham.
Milner celebrated by mimicking the trademark gesture of his former Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident in July.
With City reeling, Brighton capitalized in the 89th minute as Gruda raced into the area and finished clinically, sparking wild celebrations while Guardiola watched in disbelief.
The game also marked the Premier League return of Ballon d’Or holder Rodri, who made his first league start since suffering a knee injury against Arsenal in September 2024. But the Spanish midfielder’s presence was not enough to inspire City to a second win of the season.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0