Brighton 2-1 Manchester City (Pedro 78’, O’Riley 83’ | Haaland 23’)
Manchester City fell to a fourth straight defeat in all competitions as Brighton fought back to stun the Premier League champions on Saturday evening.
After defeats to Tottenham (Carabao Cup), Bournemouth (Premier League) and Sporting Lisbon (Champions League), Erling Haaland had seemingly settled the nerves when putting City ahead at half-time. However, it was no procession thereafter.
Bernardo Silva had said this week City were in a “dark place”, and that outlook certainly became gloomier after two second-half goals within five minutes at the Amex.
Joao Pedro equalised for Brighton, and he then assisted Matt O’Riley, who on his Premier League debut tucked his effort beyond Ederson and sent the home supporters into raptures.
The defeat means Pep Guardiola has now lost four games in a row in all competitions for the first time in his managerial career.
Manchester City meanwhile have lost four straight for the first time since August 2006.
“Four bad results, the second half, that is one of the worst halves of football I have seen from a Pep Guardiola side, they were abject, they did not defend, or win individual battles,” Jamie Redknapp said on Sky Sports.
Analysis: Man City’s January raid
City are considering relaxing their stance on the January transfer window to support their faltering tilt for a fifth successive Premier League title, with Atalanta’s Brazil international Ederson one of the players under consideration.
City find themselves in a curious position. By their own high standards this run represents a dip of unprecedented proportions but it feels like there is mitigation for the losing streak.
A “challenge” was what Pep Guardiola called it on Tuesday night. Bernardo Silva went one further, suggesting City are in a “dark place” as they struggle to cope with a mounting injury list and the loss of form of some of their most reliable players.
That is why the club are increasingly open to fast-tracking moves for existing transfer targets or accelerating some of the succession plans in place to support some of the club’s most important players.
It’s understood City had both the financial ability and desire to do more in the summer window and now – with Rodri ruled out for the season – they might have the agreement of Guardiola too.
The Catalan famously prefers to run with a small squad, believing carrying unhappy players is corrosive to the high standards he sets for his stars. But injuries and the gruelling schedule facing City’s players season – they will finish the season in the US for the first World Club Championships in June – mean a rethink may be in order.
Read more of Mark Douglas’ analysis here
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