Manchester City’s rotten run of form continued on Saturday as they lost for the fourth game in a row against Brighton.
Just like they did in Lisbon, Manchester City started the match brilliantly and hardly gave their opponents a sniff of the ball.
They again took a first-half lead, too, with Erling Haaland bundling the ball home after following up his initial looped effort that was in danger of being cleared.
And just like Tuesday’s thrashing at the hands of Sporting, Pep Guardiola’s side didn’t capitalise on their dominance.
A dangerous Brighton fought their way back into the game and pounced on a panicked City defence.
The Seagulls levelled through Joao Pedro when City failed to clear the ball and Matt O’Riley put them ahead on his Premier League debut.
City didn’t even look like turning things around and were condemned to yet another loss.
Here’s how the players rated.
Who is Jahmai Simpson-Pusey? Get familiar with Man City’s latest academy graduate making waves in the first-team
Ederson – 7
Had little to do in the first half but answered the call when forced into action after the break. Made a big save from Jack Hinshelwood’s close-range header and was quick to smother Karou Mitoma as he went through on goal.
Once again, there was little he could do with the goals as his defence let him down.
Kyle Walker – 5
Good recovery defending, especially when Joao Pedro went through, with his much-missed pace meaning City weren’t quite as exposed to quick transitions. Yet, Brighton did get joy down his side and his inclusion didn’t prevent another collapse.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – 5.5
Confident on the ball and looked at home in the side on his Premier League debut, especially when getting involved in keeping the ball. Nobody on the pitch made more passes than his 55 passes in the first half.
But, like everyone, struggled in the second half and found it tough against a talented Brighton front line.
Josko Gvardiol – 5
After a nightmare on Tuesday, Josko Gvardiol was moved in the middle for a rare game at centre-back and mostly worked well in the position. With Lewis moving into midfield from left-back, the Croatian was comfortable in moving across to cover the flank as well.
He made a crucial block from Danny Welbeck, even if he was fortunate VAR didn’t have a look at it for a potential handball, but then was unable to get rid of the ball which allowed Pedro to level.
Rico Lewis – 4
As good as usual on the ball and moving into midfield but remains a suspect in defence at times and questions might have to start being asked.
Rico Lewis was extremely lucky Danny Welbeck didn’t score when he bizarrely let a dangerous cross go by and then he was at fault for both goals.
He was unfortunate for the first when his last-gasp tackle on Welbeck handed the ball to Pedro but he was easily shrugged off by O’Riley for the second. He’s getting beaten for pace and strength too often.
Mateo Kovacic – 7.5
What started as one of his best displays in a City shirt ended up being tainted by familiar problems.
His ability to break through the press single-handedly shone time and again in the opening 45, be it through incisive through balls, quality dribbling or both. He created the first goal with an interception and a killer pass. He was everywhere.
Yet, as has become common, he does not provide enough protection in midfield and Brighton were able to take advantage of the space he left open.
Savinho – 6
A constant threat down the right, whether he was creating chances or making his own, with his pace and directness. Pervis Estupinan was given a torrid time. He was missed when taken off.
The Brazilian’s end product could be better, though, with his first goal continuing to allude him. His finishing especially needs improvement.
Phil Foden – 4
Earned a telling-off from Guardiola for slowing the game down too much for his liking when getting the ball in good positions and it was another quiet Premier League performance.
Phil Foden was bright in the first half but offered little of significance.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6.5
Tidy in possession and helped alleviate pressure by drawing fouls in a quiet display in which he didn’t particularly stand out but City lost a degree of control when he went off.
Matheus Nunes – 6
Worked hard with strong running in both directions and looked good when City were in control but didn’t offer anything when falling behind.
Erling Haaland – 6.5
Was lively, involved from the off and got quickly back amongst the goals with a determined finish as he shrugged off two defenders and ensured his effort went over the line by smartly following it up. Had little to go off afterwards, though.
Substitutes
Bernardo Silva – 5
Came on in the 71st minute for Gundogan and offered nothing.
Kevin De Bruyne – 6
Introduced shortly afterwards and provided a couple of dangerous balls that weren’t taken advantage of.
