Man City vs Brighton: Guardiola's men slip up again as Arsenal handed major title lifeline

Arsenal's Premier League title chase just received a massive injection of hope as Manchester City dropped more crucial points against Brighton. 

Manchester City’s defensive crisis and recent dip in form continued today as they were held to a frustrating 1–1 draw by Brighton. 

This result marks City's second consecutive Premier League draw, leaving them five points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola's contenders are now watching the trophy slip further from their grasp, with the Gunners positioned to capitalise on their rivals' latest stumble in what's becoming a pattern of costly results.

The Citizens began the match with intent, despite a makeshift backline featuring young Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne due to injuries to Gvardiol and Dias. After several near-misses from Bernardo Silva, the breakthrough came in the 41st minute.

A foul inside the Brighton box led to a penalty, which Erling Haaland dispatched with his trademark clinical precision. 

The goal was a massive milestone, Haaland’s 150th goal for Manchester City and his 20th in the league this season. City went into the break looking dominant, though they had failed to convert their 65% possession into a second goal.

The momentum shifted in the second half as Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton grew bolder. City appeared increasingly disorganised and "off-balance," struggling to manage Brighton's pace on the wings.

In the 60th minute, the pressure paid off. Kaoru Mitoma found space on the edge of the area and fired a powerful, low shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma to level the score. The goal sparked a period of chaotic play from City, who looked uncharacteristically sloppy in possession.

Pep Guardiola introduced Rayan Cherki and Rodri (returning to help stabilize the midfield) to find a winner. 

Cherki came agonisingly close in the 85th minute, but a goal-line block from Jan Paul van Hecke denied the Frenchman. Despite five minutes of stoppage time and intense pressure, Brighton held firm to secure a well-earned point.