Crucial Points Dropped as City’s Title Defense Wobbles

Manchester City’s title defense suffered another setback on Wednesday as they dropped crucial points in a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion. The result marks the champions’ third consecutive Premier League match without a victory and allows Arsenal to maintain their five-point advantage.
Erling Haaland gave City the lead from the penalty spot four minutes before halftime after Diego Gomez fouled Jeremy Doku in the Brighton box. VAR confirmed the decision, and Haaland converted confidently to score his 150th goal for Manchester City. The strike also ended his three-match goal drought and took him to 20 Premier League goals for the season.
City appeared poised to secure all three points when Bernardo Silva intercepted a Brighton error early in the second half, but his shot rebounded off the post. Tensions escalated when City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Brighton’s Maxim De Cuyper became involved in a confrontation, resulting in yellow cards for both players.
Brighton equalized in the 60th minute through a quality finish from Kaoru Mitoma. The Japanese winger received a pass from the flank, composed himself at the edge of the penalty area, and curled a low shot into the far corner with excellent technique.
The visitors took command after scoring, slowing the game’s rhythm and building attacks carefully. They nearly completed a remarkable turnaround when Mitoma’s excellent play created a chance for Gomez inside the penalty area, but the midfielder’s effort was saved by Donnarumma. Mitoma’s attempt to convert the rebound from near the goal line struck the post. City had one final opportunity to claim all three points when Haaland broke clear in stoppage time, but Verbruggen’s superb save denied him and ensured the points were shared.