Manchester City’s troubled start to the Premier League season continued as they squandered a lead in a shock 2-1 defeat at Brighton on Saturday.
Erling Haaland marked his 100th Premier League appearance with his 88th goal since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. The Norwegian striker finally broke through in the 34th minute, stabbing home from close range after Omar Marmoush’s assist.
But despite several missed chances from Haaland earlier in the match, City failed to press home their advantage.
Veteran midfielder James Milner, 39, levelled the score in the 67th minute from the penalty spot after Matheus Nunes handled Lewis Dunk’s shot inside the box. The former Liverpool star celebrated in tribute to Diogo Jota, his ex-teammate who died in a car crash in July. It was Milner’s first Premier League goal since 2019, making him the second-oldest scorer in league history behind Teddy Sheringham.
As City faltered, Brajan Gruda struck the decisive blow in the 89th minute, racing into the box before coolly finishing past James Trafford to seal a famous win for Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
The defeat came despite the return of Rodri, who made his first league start since a knee injury against Arsenal in September 2024. The Ballon d’Or holder was unable to lift Pep Guardiola’s side, who have now suffered back-to-back defeats after last weekend’s 2-0 loss at home to Tottenham.
Haaland’s profligacy in front of goal and City’s defensive lapses highlighted Guardiola’s growing concerns, as the champions remain stuck on just one win from their opening fixtures.
The setback leaves City’s title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal — who clash at Anfield on Sunday — with an early opportunity to pull further ahead in the race for the Premier League crown.