Brighton Inflict Second Straight League Loss on Manchester City with 1-0 Win

Yasin Ayari scored in the 11th minute to secure a 1-0 victory for Brighton over Premier League leaders Manchester City on Saturday.

Brighton defeated Manchester City 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, marking a second consecutive Premier League loss for the leaders. Yasin Ayari scored the decisive goal in the 11th minute, capitalizing after a low cross from Diego Gómez rebounded off Maxim De Cuyper. The victory allowed manager Fabian Hürzeler’s side to avenge a midweek Carabao Cup shootout loss to the same opponent.

City manager Enzo Maresca altered his lineup by dropping Marc Guéhi and starting a midfield trio of Elliot Anderson, Ayroub Bouaddi, and Enzo Fernández. Despite the changes, City failed to convert several opportunities. Iliman Ndiaye headed wide from an Anderson cross and later saw a powerful shot tipped onto the post by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton’s defense withstood late pressure, including a blocked cross by Luka Vuskovic that prevented Erling Haaland from reaching the ball. Referee Craig Pawson dismissed City's appeals for a penalty following a potential handball by Lewis Dunk and ignored claims for a back-pass gathered by Verbruggen.

The result leaves Brighton two points off the top of the table. Following City’s defeat, Arsenal will have the opportunity to move ahead of the leaders when they face Liverpool on Sunday.