Brighton claimed a quick measure of revenge after their Carabao Cup exit by stunning Manchester City and handing Maresca back-to-back Premier League defeats.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side had twice led at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday before losing on penalties. This time, they held on for an impressive victory that leaves them just two points behind third-placed City.
The decisive goal arrived after only 11 minutes. Matheus Nunes miscued a clearance, allowing Yasin Ayari to collect the ball and score from close range.
City nearly equalised 10 minutes later. Iliman Ndiaye met Elliot Anderson’s cross with a header, but sent it wide of the post. The Senegal international then tested Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with a fierce effort at the near post.
Ndiaye remained City’s biggest threat after the break. He broke clear and struck powerfully, only for Verbruggen to produce an excellent save and turn the ball onto the crossbar.
The Brighton goalkeeper continued to frustrate City. He made another fine stop to deny Nunes, while Erling Haaland’s weak header proved easier to handle.
Haaland struggled to find meaningful service as City searched for an equalizer. Brighton, meanwhile, threatened to extend their lead.
Maxim de Cuyper fired over from 10 yards before forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into a sharp save with a header.
Those missed chances did not prove costly. Brighton defended resolutely and secured all three points to maintain their impressive start to the season.
Maresca Faces First Difficult Spell With Manchester City
Man City manager Enzo Maresca won his first seven league games in charge of City, but his side have now suffered their first difficult run. They lost at Aston Villa last Saturday before falling to Brighton at home.
Brighton had failed to win in 16 previous league visits to City. They ended that record with an early goal and disciplined defending.
Ayari also made amends for his penalty miss in Wednesday’s shootout. He scored at the same end on Saturday to claim his third league goal of an impressive campaign.
Hurzeler’s side have also been the Premier League’s most prolific team this season. Their 24 goals are more than any other top flight club has scored.
