Manchester City‘s crisis deepened as they were stunned by a late comeback at Brighton on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola‘s side looked on course to end their three-game losing streak after Erling Haaland‘s early goal.
But a 78th-minute strike from Joao Pedro after a scramble in the box and a winner from substitute debutant Matt O’Riley were enough to overturn the champions.
Who only scored a four for City amid an ‘awful season’? Whose errors were responsible for the defeat? And who was the best player in an otherwise ‘disastrous’ evening for the visitors?
Mail Sport’s Aadam Patel was at the Amex to bring you Mail Sport’s player ratings.
Manchester City sunk to a fourth defeat in a row as Brighton scored twice late on to win
The crisis deepened for Pep Guardiola after a 4-1 defeat by Sporting Lisbon in midweek
Manchester City (4-1-4-1):
Ederson (6)
Didn’t need to make a save in the first half but was called into action early in the second as he made a huge stop to keep Jack Hinshelwood’s header out. Can’t really blame him for either of Brighton’s goals.
Kyle Walker (4)
Had a couple of shaky moments in his battle with Kaoru Mitoma and looks nowhere near his best. One moment in the second half when he lost possession with no one close to him that left Pep Guardiola furious. Having an awful season.
Kyle Walker was often second best against Kaoru Mitoma and is having an awful season
Josko Gvardiol had some upsides but will be kicking himself after City’s late downfall
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (5.5)
Nineteen-year-old making his Premier League debut. He was full of confidence but did lose possession carelessly on a couple of occasions, which had Guardiola stressed on the touchline.
Josko Gvardiol (6)
Started at centre-half. Made a crucial block in the first half to deny Brighton an equaliser and was solid in possession but will be kicking himself as he and his teammates somehow let this game slip.
Rico Lewis (5.5)
Started at left-back and tucked in to give City an extra body in midfield whenever they had the ball. The 19-year-old was impressive with the ball, showing a maturity well beyond his years but was outmuscled by Matt O’Riley in the move that led to Brighton’s winner.
Mateo Kovacic (7)
Controlled the game in the first-half, making some brilliant runs. Superb drive through the middle to put Savinho through on goal who should have scored, before finding Erling Haaland for Man City’s goal. City’s best player on an otherwise disastrous evening.
Mateo Kovacic was City’s best player and set up Erling Haaland for their opening goal
Ilkay Gundogan has not yet shown his former of past days since resigning for Guardiola’s side
Savinho (6.5)
Big chance early on where he did briliantly with everything apart from the finish. Caused Brighton plenty of problems down the right throughout but the Brazilian has to improve his end product. Yet to get off the mark for City but a joy to watch.
Phil Foden (6)
Brighton struggled to cope with him in the first half where he was constantly involved, but he rarely had a sniff after the break.
Ilkay Gundogan (5.5)
An average display from a player who is yet to be anywhere near his best since his return. Replaced for Bernardo Silva in the 72nd minute.
Matheus Nunes (6)
Started down the left flank. Was applauded by Pep whenever he tried to run down the line at Joel Veltman and always offered an option without doing anything special.
Erling Haaland’s missed chances from the first half ultimately cost City the game in Brighton
Kevin De Bruyne came off the bench to replace Savinho but little went right for the Belgian
Erling Haaland (6)
Could probably have scored a hat-trick in the first half and ultimately got a goal, albeit with a slice of luck. His 12th Premier League goal of the season – more than anyone else – but those missed chances in the first-half ultimately cost his side.
Substitutes
Bernardo Silva (5)
Came on for the last 18 minutes, within which City blew this game. Said City were in ‘a dark place’ midweek. They’re in a darker place now.
Kevin de Bruyne (5)
Replaced Savinho in the 74th minute with City leading at the time, as Guardiola looked to see the game out. Incredible how things don’t go your way when you’re out of form.
Pep Guardiola (6)
Brighton (4-4-2)
Verbruggen 7: Veltman 7, Van Hecke 7, Igor 7, Estupinan 7; Adingra 6 (Pedro 66, 8), Hinshelwood 6 (O’Riley 57, 7), Ayari 5 (Baleba 46, 7.5), Mitoma 7 (Moder 90); Rutter 5 (Gruda 66, 6), Welbeck 6.
Fabian Hurzeler (8)
