Manchester City collapsed and fell to a remarkable fourth consecutive defeat despite leading 1-0 heading into the final 10 minutes against Brighton. Two late goals by Joao Pedro and Matt O’Reilly inflicted the latest loss on Pep Guardiola’s side.
A depleted City headed into this game having been beaten by Tottenham, Bournemouth and Sporting CP in their last three games. Erling Haaland’s first-half strike appeared to promise a much better performance against Brighton.
But City were largely passive and struggled to build on Haaland’s 23rd-minute goal, which was his first strike in three games. Brighton capitalised and Guardiola now has his longest losing streak in English football.
Here is how Express Sport rated City’s players with three players, in particular, under-performing.
Ederson – 7
Ederson made an excellent save to deny a close-range Jack Hinshelwood header and then thwarted Kaoru Mitoma to keep City ahead. But he could do little to prevent either of Brighton’s two late strikes.
Kyle Walker – 5
Walker was too slow in getting out to Karou Mitoma to prevent the Brighton winger crossing in the build-up to Brighton’s equaliser.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – 6
This was a largely positive full Premier League debut for Simpson-Pusey. He struggled in Portugal in midweek but seemed much more composed on the south coast. He cannot be blamed for either Brighton goal.
Josko Gvardiol – 5
Gvardiol was too occupied by Welbeck’s run for O’Reilly’s winner, leaving a huge gap for the Denmark international to exploit.
Rico Lewis – 6
An all-action display from academy graduate Lewis prevented Brighton from making much progress into City’s territory in the first half. He faded slightly in the second period but was one of his side’s better players.
Mateo Kovacic – 6
Found Haaland with an excellent defence-splitting pass and the Norwegian, typically, did the rest. This was a much better performance from the Croatian, who has the tough job of replacing Rodri for the remainder of the season.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6
Guardiola opted for a more conservative midfield in the aftermath of that horrid performance against Sporting. Gundogan, who has proved to be an important signing upon his return from Barcelona, was excellent in helping City progress and retain possession.
Phil Foden – 7
Foden has enjoyed a positive personal week, ending a four-game goalless streak against Sporting before producing a good display at Brighton. Positioned closer to Haaland than in previous games, it seemed to get more out of both players. Those behind the duo left a lot to be desired, though.
Savinho – 6
Savinho continues to show glimpses that he could blossom into a top Premier League winger. However, not much came off for him in this game.
Erling Haaland – 7
This was City’s fourth Premier League match this season in which Haaland was their only scorer. Not only is the Norwegian ultra-prolific, but the majority of his goals are hugely important.
Matheus Nunes – 5
Nunes has struggled in a left-sided role over the past few weeks. His tendency to cut inside and pass backwards has hindered City’s attacks. When moved into midfield, the former Wolves player was too hesitant in clearing the ball and Pedro made no mistake from close range.
Substitutes
Bernardo Silva (for Gundogan, ’72) – 6
City lost control after their two substititions, with Pedro’s goal coming just moments after Kevin De Bruyne’s introduction. But there was little blame to place on either player who came on.
Kevin De Bruyne (for Savinho, 74) – 6
De Bruyne seemed the likeliest to create an equaliser in the closing stages and flashed an effort just wide from 20 yards.
