Manchester City 2-2 Brighton: Hosts pegged back twice in entertaining Etihad draw

Manchester City missed the chance to climb into the Premier League’s top four as Brighton fought back on two occasions to earn a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Last season’s champions knew a victory would take them above Chelsea before the Blues visit Arsenal on Sunday, and they twice led in the first half.

Erling Haaland converted from the penalty spot after Omar Marmoush had been chopped down by Adam Webster, though Pervis Estupinan quickly levelled with a delightful free-kick that struck the far post before nestling in the net.

Marmoush then rifled a 20-yard strike off the upright and in to restore City’s lead six minutes before half-time, but Brighton would come roaring back after the interval.

Jack Hinshelwood’s shot on the turn was diverted past Stefan Ortega by the unwitting Abdukodir Khusanov, and Brighton grew in confidence from there.

Both sides had chances at 2-2 as Yankuba Minteh somehow failed to turn Diego Gomez’s cross home at the far post, while Nico Gonzalez headed against the post at the other end.

But it was Brighton that missed the clearest opportunity for a late winner, with Carlos Baleba letting City off the hook when he blasted over from near the penalty spot.

The draw leaves City fifth in the table, one point behind Chelsea having played an additional game.

Brighton, meanwhile, are just a point further back in seventh, with Newcastle United nestled between the two sides.

Data Debrief: Haaland feat overshadowed

All seemed to be going to plan for City when Haaland put them ahead from the penalty spot, scoring his 84th goal in 94 Premier League appearances.

With 16 assists to his name too, the Norwegian is the first player in history to reach 100 goal involvements in fewer than 100 outings in the competition.

Haaland’s new partner-in-crime Marmoush restored City’s advantage at 2-1, but some poor set-piece defending saw Guardiola’s men pegged back in the second half.

City have now conceded 40 goals in the Premier League this season, their most in any campaign under Guardiola, having previously shipped 39 in 2016-17.

They have conceded 66 times in all competitions this term, also their most in any season under Guardiola.