Manchester City’s inability to find their winning formula continued on Wednesday as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium. The result represents the third consecutive Premier League match in which City have drawn and leaves them five points behind leaders Arsenal, who have 48 points compared to City’s 43.
Erling Haaland gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot four minutes before halftime, after Jeremy Doku was brought down by Diego Gomez inside the area. Following a VAR review that upheld the referee’s decision, Haaland converted confidently to reach his 150th goal for Manchester City, ending a three-game scoring drought and taking his Premier League tally to 20 goals for the season.
City came close to doubling their lead early in the second half when Bernardo Silva capitalised on a Brighton defensive error, but his effort struck the post. The match saw tensions rise when goalkeepers Gianluigi Donnarumma and Maxim De Cuyper clashed, with both receiving yellow cards for their involvement.
Brighton equalised on the hour mark through Kaoru Mitoma, who received a pass from the flank and expertly guided a low shot into the far corner from the edge of the box. The goal completely changed the complexion of the match, with Brighton growing in confidence and beginning to dictate proceedings.
The visitors dominated after equalising and came within inches of securing all three points when Mitoma’s angled shot from near the byline struck the post. In the closing stages, Haaland had a clear opportunity to win the match for City, but Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen produced a magnificent save to deny him, leaving City searching for answers to their recent struggles.