Manchester City are looking increasingly out of the running for the Champions League. The Skyblues failed to beat Brighton despite a goal of historic character from Erling Haaland.
Manchester City’s qualification for the Champions League is increasingly at risk. Although the Skyblues were able to fend off Brighton’s attack, which would have passed the Guardiola team if they had won, they could not get more than a draw against the Seagulls. And that, although the game had started so well from City’s point of view. Historically even.
With less than ten minutes played, Marmoush was brought down in the box. Haaland converted the resulting penalty low to the right (11th minute) – and in doing so, broke a 30-year-old record. Not only was it Haaland’s 84th Premier League goal in 94th appearance, but it was also the Norwegian’s 100th goal in the English top flight. The previous league-wide record, set by Alan Shearer in 1995 after 100 appearances, was thus clearly surpassed by the top striker.
But the reigning champions’ lead, who suffered their ninth defeat of the season at surprise team Nottingham the previous week, only lasted ten minutes. That’s when Brighton left back Estupinan stepped up for the free-kick and curled the ball over the wall, into the far post and into the goal – City goalkeeper Ortega Moreno could only look on.
Marmoush puts City back in the lead
In any case, Hürzeler’s men repeatedly managed to strike back. With the tailwind of six competitive wins in a row, the Seagulls played on an equal footing – and yet they initially suffered another setback. Striker Rutter fumbled the ball in front of his own penalty area, Gündogan reacted quickly and took Marmoush with him, who scored powerfully from a distance to take the lead again (39′).
The half-time lead for City, which combined well but failed to create any chances, did not last long after the restart. After Minteh’s cross, City got off lightly, but on the subsequent corner, the visitors managed to score a second goal: Hinshelwood’s volley from close range deflected off Khusanov and past Ortega Moreno (48′).
Brighton are closer to scoring
It was then Brighton’s turn to be close to scoring the winning goal in a fast-paced and entertaining game. However, the visitors missed several chances, but were happy to take the point at the Etihad.
After the international break, the Skyblues will next play on March 30 (Sunday) at 5:30 p.m. in the FA Cup quarter-finals in Bournemouth. Brighton are in action the day before, also in the FA Cup, at home to Nottingham at 6:15 p.m.
