This time, Pep Guardiola's team was unable to maintain the advantage gained from a penalty converted by Erling Haaland at the end of the first half. "City" hoped to return to winning ways after two draws with "Sunderland" and "Chelsea." However, in the second half, Japanese forward Kaoru Mitoma equalized by scoring his first goal since September.
This draw could allow "Arsenal," currently sitting at the top of the league, to extend their lead to eight points if they secure a victory over "Liverpool" on Thursday.
At the end of the match, "City" had chances to snatch a win, but both Haaland and Ryan Cherki failed to convert their opportunities. The start of 2026 has been challenging for the Manchester side, as the club is facing serious injury problems in defense. Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and John Stones are all sidelined due to injuries.
As a result, Guardiola had to field an inexperienced defensive pair: 21-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov and 20-year-old debutant Max Allain, who was urgently recalled from his loan at "Watford" just a few days before the match.
The match began with an active struggle, and "Brighton" created several dangerous moments, forcing "City" goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into action. Pascal Gross's and Ferdi Kadıoğlu's shots were particularly threatening. "City" struggled to create many chances in the first half, but Khusanov made a crucial tackle to prevent Georginio Rutter from going one-on-one.
Before the break, there was a controversial moment when Jeremy Doku fell in the penalty area. Referee Thomas Bramall did not award a penalty, for which Guardiola received a yellow card, but after reviewing VAR, the decision was changed, and Haaland confidently converted the penalty.
In the second half, the hosts were unable to continue their success and were punished: Mitoma equalized with a precise shot from the edge of the penalty area. Soon after, "Brighton" had a chance to take the lead, but Diego Gomez failed to capitalize on a clear opportunity.
Despite "City's" pressure in the closing stages of the match, including a shot from Haaland cleared off the line and an inaccurate effort from Cherki, "Brighton" managed to hold on for a draw.
Thus, the dropped points create additional pressure on "Manchester City" in the title race, especially in light of their inconsistent results and injury woes.
