Manchester City faced a shocking 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion at Falmer Stadium on Saturday, marking their fourth consecutive loss across all competitions—a first since August 2006.
Erling Haaland put City ahead in the 23rd minute with a precise finish and narrowly missed adding more in a dominant first half where City registered five shots on target. However, Brighton emerged revitalized after the break. Substitutes Joao Pedro and Premier League debutant Matt O’Riley netted goals, turning the tide in favor of the hosts.
City’s recent slump includes losses to Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup and Bournemouth in the Premier League, followed by a 4-1 thrashing by Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League. Midfielder Bernardo Silva acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating they are in a “dark place.”
Manager Pep Guardiola witnessed his team lose four consecutive games for the first time in his tenure. The defeat leaves City trailing five points behind league leaders Liverpool, who secured a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield.
Injuries have plagued City, with key players Nathan Ake, John Stones, Jack Grealish, and Ruben Dias sidelined, alongside longer-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb.
“Of course, it’s November, we are not far away from our rivals in this position before the international break,” Guardiola said. “Winning games depends on players returning fit, training well, and improving our results.”
He added, “We need to clear our heads, go into the international break, and have players come back fit. Our success in recent seasons was due to having fewer injuries. I want the players to be consistent and play at the level we showed in the first half.”
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Manchester City upset by Brighton, suffer fourth straight loss
cgtn.com
