Erling Haaland shattered yet another scoring record, and Omar Marmoush scored for Man City as Brighton twice overcame behind to earn a heroic draw. Report and free match highlights A beautiful free-kick from Pervis Estupinan and an own goal from Abdukodir Khusanov
As Brighton, another team vying for a spot in the top four, held Manchester City 2-2 at the Etihad, Erling Haaland became the fastest player in Premier League history to reach 100 goal contributions.
Up to eight clubs, including Brighton and City, are fiercely competing for European football this season, but despite record-breaking Haaland’s best efforts, neither team was able to seize the lead.
Yankuba Minteh let a back-post sitter run inexplicably through his legs, Carlos Baleba smashed over unmarked from 10 yards, while Nico Gonzalez’s header struck the post for City. Neither side was able to turn one point into a precious three.
The competition for the chance to play Champions League football next season remains as fascinatingly open as ever as Guardiola’s side stay provisionally fifth, while resurgent Brighton remain a point further back in seventh.
Player ratings
Man City: Ortega (7), Lewis (6), Khusanov (7), Dias (6), Gvardiol (7), Gundogan (6), Nico (6), Savinho (7), Marmoush (8), Doku (7), Haaland (7).
Subs used: Bernardo (n/a), Foden (5), De Bruyne (n/a).
Brighton: Verbruggen (6), Estupinan (7), Webster (6), Van Hecke (7), Hinshelwood (6), Gomez (7), Baleba (7), Mitoma (6), Rutter (6), Minteh (7), Pedro (6).
Subs used: Ayari (6), Welbeck (6), Gruda (n/a), Adingra (n/a), Wieffer (6).
Player of the match: Omar Marmoush
Pep confronted the referee, but why?
Referee Simon Hooper gave Jeremy Doku a simulation ticket in the second stanza for leaping over Jan Paul van Hecke’s approaching tackle. Although there appeared to be a sincere attempt to play the ball, the challenge was poorly timed and played at full speed. Referee Hooper waved a warning, implying that Doku had dived, as Doku jumped to avoid making contact with the defender.
Guardiola discussed the situation after the game, saying: “He does not jump, he can break his leg.” To escape touch, he leaps. Doku should be aware that they are not a diving player. It is what it is. That choice did not result in a win or loss for us. I told the referee that he did it to defend himself because he might get a harsh kick if he did not jump.
Analysis: Is City in control of the top four hunt?
The Champions League contenders are still competing. It is a bit like cat and mouse. Before soaring to fourth place, are Manchester City only playing with their rivals? Possibly.
For their very first point at the Etihad, Brighton was more than worth it. Despite missing every shot, the visitors produced more “big opportunities” (six), took more shots, and won the xG battle.
For the first time since 2008–09, City has now lost nine points from winning positions in Premier League home games this season. Guardiola will be concerned about that weakness, or rather inconsistency, at home. However, their generous run-in is more encouraging.
The teams in the bottom half of the table will be the opponents of six of City’s remaining nine games. All nine games, including the Manchester derby, are winnable for the City of old. Fortunes are still less guaranteed for the city today. Only an idiot would dismiss the champions’ prospects, though.
“Nine finals” to guarantee a CL spot, says Guardiola
Pep Guardiola, manager of Man City:
“Compared to the Nottingham Forest game, the performance was far superior. There were lots of enjoyable times. With Savinho, we had obvious opportunities. We had excellent control over Brighton’s ability to join inside, but it goes without saying that their duels with Baleba are challenging.
“Omar [Marmoush] was excellent, defenders were outstanding, and Jeremy [Doku] posed a serious threat. It was decent overall. We were careless on the corner [when Brighton scored]. We persevered till the finish. We were more aggressive, had a much higher energy, and the goalie was excellent in the build-up.
“There are nine games in the Champions League race,” he remarked. Our games are challenging. I believe it will be to the very end. I look for the good in everything and the correct path. We are aware that many things will occur. There are nine finals.
Hurzeler: We failed due to poor decision-making
Fabian Hurzeler, head coach of Brighton:
“The winner had two or three really good chances in the second half. We must improve the little margins before doing it better the following time.
“I am more interested in pushing myself to the next level than I am in statistics or records. We performed our way today. Although it is undeniable that we won this game the first time, it is frustrating that we did not get three points.
“We failed to strike the ideal mix between playing a long ball and playing out from the back, which cost us two points. Our decision-making was not at its best level. We were accountable for the first half’s lack of cleanliness.
