Manchester City’s crisis deepened on Saturday as they suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Brighton, marking the first time in Pep Guardiola’s illustrious managerial career that he has lost four consecutive matches.
The champions appeared to be heading towards ending their dismal run after Erling Haaland’s first-half opener at the Amex Stadium.
However, Brighton staged a remarkable late comeback through goals from Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley in the final 12 minutes.
The defeat continues City’s worst run since 2006, when they lost four straight games under Stuart Pearce, and leaves them two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
City dominated the early exchanges, with Brazilian winger Savinho squandering a clear chance after 15 minutes when he fired straight at Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Haaland made no such mistake in the 23rd minute, converting after Mateo Kovacic’s inch-perfect pass split the Brighton defence.
Pep Guardiola tasted defeat for the fourth time in a row – the first time in his career
PA
The Norwegian striker, who became the quickest player to reach 75 Premier League goals, could have had a hat-trick within the opening half-hour but was denied by Verbruggen.
Brighton grew into the match after the break, with Jack Hinshelwood forcing a reflex save from Ederson.
The hosts continued to press, with Kaoru Mitoma and Joao Pedro both spurning opportunities before their eventual breakthrough.
Brighton’s persistence finally paid off in the 78th minute when Pedro capitalised on City’s defensive chaos to equalise.
The Brazilian pounced on loose defending from Rico Lewis, Josko Gvardiol and Matheus Nunes to lash home from close range after Danny Welbeck was initially denied.
Just five minutes later, Pedro turned provider, slipping a precise through ball to O’Riley who clinically clipped his finish past Ederson from 10 yards.
The dramatic turnaround sent the Amex faithful into delirium, while Guardiola could only slump in his seat as his side’s defensive frailties were exposed once again.
A late scuffle between both sets of players highlighted City’s mounting frustration.
City’s current crisis began with their League Cup exit to Tottenham, followed by a Premier League defeat at Bournemouth.
Joao Pedro equalised for Brighton before Matt O’Riley’s late winner
PA
The slump worsened with a crushing 4-1 loss to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League before Saturday’s collapse at Brighton.
Injuries have played a significant role in City’s downturn, with Ballon d’Or winner Rodri ruled out for the season.
Key players Kevin De Bruyne, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji were only fit enough for the bench at Brighton.
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Brighton came back from a goal down to land victory
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The squad’s problems were further compounded by the absences of Ruben Dias, John Stones, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish.
Despite Guardiola’s insistence that he would solve City’s problems, the champions’ struggles show no immediate signs of abating.