Manchester City 0-1 Brighton: Ayari 11
It was evident that Brighton considered Manchester City their equals, at least on the pitch currently. Fabian Hurzeler made clear before this game that his side’s midweek defeat on penalties in the Carabao Cup happened because City got lucky.
The intent here from the outset was always to win, the City armour having already been pierced last week by Aston Villa. And win they did, Yasin Ayari’s first-half goal proving sufficient, as Brighton then held on despite considerable pressure in the second period.
This result will be particularly satisfying. Brighton are in the top four and intend to stay there. It is not like there is not vacancy, given Manchester United and Liverpool’s recent struggles.
The two sides were more or less evenly matched in the early exchanges, although Brighton made better use of their first meaningful opportunity. City were caught out in the 11th minute after a free-kick was awarded against Elliot Anderson for a challenge on Ayari.
Lewis Dunk quickly sent the ball towards Diego Gomez on the right. His low cross caused problems for Matheus Nunes, who failed to clear it properly. The ball came back into the area through Maxim De Cuyper and Ayari was on hand to tap in.
City hit back with plenty of attacking intent. Anderson was lively in midfield and created a good chance for Iliman Ndiaye, whose header went wide when he should have tested Bart Verbruggen.
The Senegal international remained a threat and produced one of the best moments of the first half with a brilliant run from the right. He skipped past several Brighton players and worked his way into the penalty area, but his final effort lacked the quality to beat Verbruggen.
Jeremy Doku also caused problems down the flank as City ramped up the pressure. Enzo Fernandez combined neatly with Ayyoub Bouaddi in one promising move before Doku received the ball on the left. The winger looked dangerous whenever he had space, but City struggled to break down the dogged Seagulls.
Brighton were not without chances of their own. Moises Caicedo came close to doubling their lead when his effort pinged the woodwork, and De Cuyper later sent a good opportunity over the crossbar.
In the second half, Ndiaye produced another dangerous run before firing at goal, but Verbruggen managed to get his hands on the shot and turn it onto the post.
Frustrated, Maresca threw on Rayan Cherki for Bouaddi just before the hour. City cranked up the intensity and Nunes tested Verbruggen with a fierce effort after being found by Cherki, but the Brighton goalkeeper was equal to it. There was also another chance via Nico O’Reilly, whose low cross found Ndiaye in a good position. The forward blew it.
Brighton were forced back but remained unbroken. Georginio Rutter had a chance to settle matters at the other end, except his shot also missed the target. But Ayari’s early goal was enough.
