Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Manchester City: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, 31 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Brighton & Hove Albion secured a surprising 2-1 victory over Manchester City at home, a result that snapped City's recent winning streak and highlighted Brighton's resilience. The match saw Brighton come from behind after Erling Haaland's early goal for City, with James Milner converting a crucial penalty in the 67th minute to level the score. The decisive moment came in the 89th minute when substitute Brajan Gruda scored the winning goal, showcasing Brighton's ability to capitalise on late opportunities. This win marks a significant turnaround for Brighton, who had previously lost to Everton and drawn with Fulham, demonstrating their potential to challenge top teams.

Manchester City, despite dominating possession, were unable to convert their control into a victory, ending their run of form that included wins against Wolverhampton and Fulham. The loss to Brighton adds to their recent defeat against Tottenham, suggesting a need for tactical adjustments. Erling Haaland's goal was a bright spot for City, but their inability to maintain the lead and defend late in the game will be a concern for manager Pep Guardiola. This result underscores the unpredictable nature of the Premier League and the importance of every match in the race for the top spots.

The statistics from the match reveal a stark contrast between possession and the final scoreline, with Manchester City holding 63% of the ball compared to Brighton's 37%. Despite this dominance, Brighton managed to secure the win, highlighting their efficiency in front of goal and defensive resilience. The teams were evenly matched in successful dribbles at 58%, but Brighton's single penalty and late goal were decisive. The equal number of yellow cards and corners suggests a competitive and evenly contested match, yet Brighton's ability to capitalise on their opportunities was the key difference.

The game's turning point came in the 67th minute when James Milner confidently converted a penalty to level the score at 1-1, following a series of substitutions by Brighton that injected fresh energy into their attack. This moment shifted the momentum, setting the stage for the dramatic late winner. In the 89th minute, substitute Brajan Gruda scored the decisive goal, showcasing his impact off the bench and securing the victory for Brighton. These key moments underscore the importance of substitutions and the ability to seize opportunities late in the game.

Manchester City took the lead early in the match with a goal from Erling Haaland in the 34th minute, a testament to his scoring prowess. However, City's inability to extend their lead and their defensive lapse in the final minutes allowed Brighton to stage a comeback. The yellow cards shown to Abdukodir Khusanov and Rayan Aït Nouri in the second half indicate a growing frustration within the City ranks as they struggled to maintain control. These moments highlight the fine margins that can determine the outcome of a match.

Brighton & Hove Albion lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bart Verbruggen in goal and a backline of Joël Veltman, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, and Maxim De Cuyper. The midfield was anchored by Carlos Baleba and Jack Hinshelwood, with Yankuba Minteh, Diego Gómez, and Kaoru Mitoma supporting striker Danny Welbeck. The impact of substitutions was evident, particularly with James Milner and Brajan Gruda coming off the bench to score crucial goals. This lineup and the tactical adjustments made during the game showcased Brighton's depth and adaptability.

Manchester City deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with James Trafford between the posts and a defense consisting of Matheus Nunes, John Stones, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Rayan Aït-Nouri. The midfield trio of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Tijjani Reijnders provided support to the attacking line of Oscar Bobb, Erling Haaland, and Omar Marmoush. Despite the strong lineup, City's inability to maintain their lead and defend late in the game was a notable disappointment. The substitutions made, including Jeremy Doku and Rico Lewis, did not have the desired impact, highlighting areas for improvement.

Erling Haaland is Coral’s Man of the Match, recognised for his goal-scoring prowess despite Manchester City's loss. His solitary goal in the 34th minute showcased his ability to find the back of the net, even in a challenging match. Although he did not register any assists or create big chances, his contribution was significant in keeping City in the game. Haaland's performance underlines his importance to the team, even on days when the result does not go their way.

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Manchester City (H)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Everton (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Fulham (H)

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Brighton & Hove Albion (A)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Tottenham Hotspur (H)

• Win: 4-0 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

Sitting at 11th in the league with 4 points, Brighton will face AFC Bournemouth, who are in 7th with 6 points, on September 13, 2025, at 14:00. This victory against Manchester City will boost their confidence as they prepare for this upcoming challenge. Brighton will likely approach the game with a focus on maintaining their momentum and exploiting their ability to score late goals.

Currently positioned 13th with 3 points, Manchester City will take on Manchester United, who are in 9th with 4 points, on September 14, 2025, at 15:30. The loss to Brighton will serve as a wake-up call for City, prompting them to reassess their tactics and defensive strategies. They will need to regroup quickly to secure a positive result against their rivals.

Fixtures - Premier League - Game Week 4 - Season 25/26

• Arsenal V Nottingham Forest

• Bournemouth V Brighton

• Newcastle V Wolves

• Everton V Aston Villa

• Crystal Palace V Sunderland

• Fulham V Leeds United

• West Ham V Tottenham

• Brentford V Chelsea

• Burnley V Liverpool

• Man City V Man United

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.