Manchester City’s grip on the Premier League title loosened further on Wednesday as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium. The champions have now drawn three league matches in succession and trail Arsenal by five points.
Erling Haaland gave City the lead from the penalty spot four minutes before the interval. The Norwegian converted after VAR confirmed that Jeremy Doku had been fouled by Diego Gomez inside the penalty area. The goal was particularly significant for Haaland, marking his 150th for Manchester City while also ending a three-match period without scoring and taking him to 20 Premier League goals this season.
City appeared poised to secure a much-needed victory when Bernardo Silva intercepted a Brighton error early in the second half, but his shot struck the woodwork. The match’s temperature rose when City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Brighton’s Maxim De Cuyper became involved in a heated exchange, resulting in both players being cautioned.
Brighton’s equalizer arrived in the 60th minute and was scored by Kaoru Mitoma with a finish of genuine quality. The Japanese winger received the ball from the flank, positioned himself expertly at the edge of the box, and guided a precise low shot into the far corner, leaving Donnarumma with no chance.
The visitors assumed control after leveling the score, slowing the game’s rhythm and building attacks patiently. They nearly snatched victory when Mitoma’s excellent play created a chance for Gomez inside the box, but the midfielder’s effort was saved by Donnarumma. Mitoma’s rebound attempt from near the byline struck the post. City had one final opportunity to claim all three points when Haaland found himself alone against Verbruggen in stoppage time, but the Brighton goalkeeper’s outstanding save denied the striker and secured a valuable point for the visitors.