Two of the most in-form sides in all of Europe met at the AMEX in a game with neither side having much to play for. Brighton hosted Manchester City in a tight 1-1 affair that showed the quality in both sides yet, the home team must feel let down by the result considering how hard they pushed City.
With MCFC already crowned champions this past weekend and Brighton confirming European football for the very first time in the club’s history, the only thing on the line was City’s 24 unbeaten run. Brighton appeared the closest in some time to snap the streak but was denied another historic victory.
Manchester City and Brighton’s stellar 1-1 draw keeps City’s run alive.
A City side that had six changes from their 1-0 win over Chelsea, some of the usual suspects were back in the starting lineup including the likes of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and captain Ilkay Gündogan. They looked to make a quick impact, with Haaland just heading over the bar from a Phil Foden cross in the 6th minute.
Foden was easily City’s most dangerous player on the night as Brighton piled on the pressure. Danny Welbeck hit the crossbar from a well-struck free-kick before Haaland responded with a chance that was mopped up by Jason Steele.
The Norwegian would then get his 8th assist in the Premier League, on a level with Bruno Fernandes and Trent Alexander-Arnold this season, to set up Foden for his 11th league goal. The duo that started so hot together at the start of the season unfortunately fell apart due to injuries to Foden but they could be primed for a gigantic season next year.
After the goal, City seemed to take the foot off the gas and would ultimately pay for it. Julio Enciso, another one of the many Brighton wonder kids, scored his first goal at the AMEX in spectacular fashion. The home fans were again celebrating when Welbeck scored to make it 2-1 before half-time but he was judged offside.
The second half did not slow any of Brighton’s momentum but the game slowed down considerably. Haaland thought he scored the winner in the 76th minute but VAR waived it off after seeing the striker foul a Brighton defender in the lead up his thunderous header.
All in all, City might feel fortunate to walk away from a tough environment with a point. Brighton showed that perhaps they can hang with the big boys and must feel hard done by the result.
The league champions close out their Premier League campaign against Brentford away from home on Sunday afternoon.