Manchester City’s pursuit of Champions League qualification suffered another setback as they were held to a pulsating 2-2 draw by Brighton at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite taking the lead twice, Pep Guardiola’s men failed to secure maximum points, allowing their top-five rivals to claw their way back into the contest in a game filled with drama, controversy, and spectacular goals.
Erling Haaland made history in the 11th minute, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goal involvements in fewer than 100 matches.
The Norwegian forward, marking his 94th appearance in the competition, coolly slotted home his 84th goal from the penalty spot, sending Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen the wrong way.
However, City’s defensive vulnerabilities were once again exposed as Brighton found an equalizer through a moment of brilliance from Pervis Estupinan.
The Ecuadorian full-back curled in a stunning free-kick that bounced in off the post. City’s stand-in goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, replacing the injured Ederson, was caught off-guard, initially moving in the wrong direction before watching helplessly as the ball nestled into the net.
City regained the lead in first-half stoppage time when Omar Marmoush drilled a precise 20-yard strike into the bottom corner, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. But just three minutes into the second half, Brighton restored parity once more.
Jack Hinshelwood’s goal-bound effort took a cruel deflection off Abdukodir Khusanov, wrong-footing Ortega and drawing the visitors level.
As the match reached its climax, tensions ran high on the touchline, with Guardiola growing visibly frustrated over refereeing decisions.
The City boss was furious after strong challenges on Josko Gvardiol and Bernardo Silva went unpunished, with Silva eventually forced off just 18 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
City pressed relentlessly for a late winner, with Nico Gonzalez rattling the post in a dramatic finale. Yet it was Brighton who squandered the best chance to snatch victory, as Carlos Baleba ballooned a golden opportunity over the bar from 12 yards out after arriving unmarked to meet Joao Pedro’s cross.
The result leaves City still struggling to regain consistency in their push for a top-four finish. With their defense looking increasingly shaky, Guardiola has serious work to do as the pressure mounts in the race for Champions League football.