MAN CITY 2, BRIGHTON 2
Manchester City failed to reclaim a top four place as they were held at home by Brighton on a frustrating afternoon at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s side, which remains fifth, were twice ahead only to be pegged back by the Seagulls who arrived on the back of six straight wins in all competitions.
And it could conceivably become seven as Carlos Baleba missed a sitter late in the game which, if taken, would have earned another maximum return.
City twice led through an Erling Haaland penalty – that was his 100th goal involvement for City with 84 goals and 16 assists – and goal from Omar Marmoush.
The Seagulls hit back with goals from Equador international Parvis Estupinan and unlucky own goal from Abdukodir Khusanov as they picked up their first-ever point at the Etihad in a game which one commentator described as being like a basketball match as it flowed from end to end.
Embed from Getty ImagesGuardiola viewed it as an improved display following the defeat at Nottingham Forest.
“The spirit was better today as we were passive against Forest,” he said.
“It was a good game. A tight game. I know how difficult it is to make the process which we’re in now.
“The players gave everything. We pushed to the end and take the point and we keep going and have nine games and nine finals left.
“Of course, I have confidence, and I always have. The young players played good. All the defenders were so clever.
“We were close, but unfortunately we couldn’t do it.”
City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan added: “I feel personally very disappointed. After getting twice in front and actually playing quite well. It’s a bit frustrating to not get the three points.
“I think we were able to limit their possession. Second half, after conceding the second, it felt like we dropped in confidence and belief.
“We dropped a little bit and gave away easy chances. It’s important to stay calm. Of course, mistakes happen even at this level.
“The opposition are so good. Every game is tough. Then when you concede sometimes you try not to do overdo things.
“We need to expect the best from everyone every single day. I thought we had a good week of training.
“We want to transmit that power and energy into the game. Sometimes it isn’t enough.”
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler did not dwell on the chance Baleba had to win the match.
He said: “It was one of two or three really big chances to get the winner in the second half.
“It was small margins, and we have to improve and do better next time.
“The fact we have won our first point here is a disappointing feeling as we we should have gone home with three points.”
Guardiola made four changes to the side that lost at Nottingham Forest last week with Stefan Ortega replacing Ederson, who is not fully fit, in goal and Scott Carson coming onto the bench.
Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Mathues Nunes dropped to the bench as Marmoush, Gundogan and Rico Lewis were recalled.
Former Inter Miami man Diego Gomez came in for Yasin Ayari who dropped to the Brighton bench.
The Seagulls were aiming to record a seventh successive victory in all competitions but have never beaten City away from home.
City had an early let off when Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma had a goal ruled out in the sixth minute.
Mitoma’s initial shot from a right-wing cross was parried by Ortega but the Japanese international bundled in the loose ball only for a VAR check to rule it out for a foul on the keeper.
City made the most of this stroke of good fortune as they went ahead in the 11th minute through Haaland’s penalty which was awarded after Marmoush was tripped by Adam Webster.
It was his 29th club goal of the season and 36th overall when his strikes for Norway are added to the total.
Brighton were level in the 21st minute through a fine free kick from Estupinan which flew in off the upright from about 23 yards. The free kick was awarded for a foul by Nico Gonzales.
City were back ahead in the 39th minute when Ilkay Gundogan slipped a pass to Marmoush who rifled home a shot from 22 yards which flew into the net off the upright.
It was the Egyptian’s fourth goal in 10 appearances following his January move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Brighton ought to have levelled again but Joao Pedro dragged his shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box.
But the Seagulls made it 2-2 within three minutes of the restart after City failed to clear a corner. Jack Hinshelwood had a shot which flew into the net off the thigh of Abdukodir Khusanov for an own goal.
City made their first change just short of the hour as Savinho was replaced by Bernardo Silva who lasted only 17 minutes before he was forced off through injury as Phil Foden made his entrance.
Gonzales came close to restoring City’s lead with a far post header from a corner which struck the upright.
Brighton ought to have gone ahead with seven minutes left on the break when Pedro cross to Carlos Baleba who was free in front of goal but blazed over, a glaring miss.
With five minutes left, Kevin De Bruyne made his bow in place of Marmoush.
City might also have snatched victory in the 90th minute when De Bruyne fired in a low free kic which deflected off Gundogan before flashing just past the upright.