Hurzeler unhappy with City draw, says Brighton deserved more

Fabian Hurzeler believes Brighton deserved to leave the Etihad Stadium as victors, having twice fought back to draw 2-2 with Manchester City on Saturday.

Brighton’s six-game winning streak across all competitions came to an end as they played out an entertaining draw at the home of last season’s champions.

Erling Haaland’s penalty put City ahead before Pervis Estupinan equalised with a stunning free-kick, then Omar Marmoush restored the hosts’ advantage only for an Abdukodir Khusanov own goal to make it 2-2.

Brighton had the better chances to win the game late on, finishing the contest with 15 shots to City’s 11 and a total of 2.11 expected goals (xG) to the hosts’ 1.77.

Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma, Jack Hinshelwood and Carlos Baleba all missed good opportunities for Brighton in the second half, as they were made to settle for a point.

They remain just two points adrift of the top four ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Arsenal on Sunday, though fifth place will almost certainly be enough for Champions League qualification this campaign.

“We gave away goals in a very cheap way, and we have to improve,” Hurzeler told BBC Sport.

“The fact that we came back twice, and we had big opportunities to go for the win, is a very positive one. We showed our identity and that’s how we want to play.

“Overall, I am happy with the performance, but not happy with the result. It is very obvious to me that we should leave this pitch as a winner. Sometimes, in football, it’s like this.

“We have to analyse this game, and then we should be disappointed about the draw. We should stay grounded, humble and keep pushing each other.

“This club always works hard. We have a situation with the run after the Forest game [a 7-0 loss in early February]. It is because we’re doing the basics right. We have to keep doing it for the rest of the season.”

Brighton remain winless in their 15 league visits to City (three draws, 12 losses), with this the first time they have avoided defeat since December 1982 (1-1 at Maine Road).

Full-back Hinshelwood, whose shot forced Khusanov’s own goal, said: “When you come to Man City, it’s a tough place to come. They’ve not been at their best this season, but it is still a hard place to come.

“The run we’re on, we’ve gone into every game believing we can beat anybody.

“The fans have been unbelievable. If we can keep this momentum going, it’s going to be hard to stop us.

“Last season we had a taste of what Europe can be like. As a club, we’re driving to get back to that feeling.”

Brighton face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup quarter-finals after the international break, while City take on Bournemouth for a semi-final spot.