Manchester City made a strong comeback by controlling the first half against Brighton after experiencing a two-game losing streak in the Premier League. Despite a dip in performance during the second half, they successfully clinched a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s team had a nearly flawless first half, during which they could have potentially expanded their lead on the scoreboard, although they didn’t create many clear-cut scoring opportunities. They were efficient but couldn’t sustain that level of performance in the second half, which allowed Brighton to seize an opportunity and reduce the deficit, momentarily casting doubt on their victory.
The return of Rodri to the midfield contributed to regaining control. However, City’s most productive attacking moments occurred in the first half, with Brighton failing to pose a threat near Stefan Ortega’s goal. Two players, Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden, played pivotal roles in initiating attacks from the wings, both individually and in combination.
While Bernardo Silva was involved in the build-up alongside Doku, he played a somewhat less prominent role on the left, while Josko Gvardiol frequently pushed forward. Manchester City dominated possession and maintained control of the game, limiting Brighton’s scoring opportunities.
Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland met their scoring targets without requiring specific team focus. Alvarez opened the scoring with Doku’s assistance in the seventh minute and played a vital role in both creating opportunities and managing his chances. Meanwhile, Haaland capitalized on a defensive error to secure a 2-0 lead in the 19th minute through an individual effort. Until that point, his involvement had been limited, but he maximized the opportunity.
Erling Haaland scored his 9th goal of the season after Manchester City beat Brighton 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/BIGYdPsvts
— The Alarmee (@AlarmeeThe75076) October 21, 2023
In the second half, the dynamics shifted for both sides. Manchester City, fatigued after an intense first 45 minutes, struggled to sustain their pressing game, while Brighton gained confidence and pushed further up the field.
For the first time, the home defense had to stay alert, and they faltered when a rebound inside the box from Manuel Akanji was converted by Ansu Fati, narrowing the score to 2-1. Suddenly, what had seemed to be a secure victory for Guardiola’s team was called into question. The team lost its organization and control over the ball and the match, even prompting surprise from Pep himself on the sidelines. Substitutions were made, gradually restoring order and control to the game.
The game concluded with mixed feelings, despite retaining the points at home. However, for 45 minutes, the team that had showcased early-season dominance made a brief return
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