By SpringsnewsNG Media Limited | March 15, 2025

Manchester City missed the chance to break into http://Manchester City missed the chance to break intothe Premier League’s top four after being held to an exciting 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium.http://Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium.

In a high-paced first half, Erling Haaland put City ahead from the penalty spot shortly after Kaoru Mitoma’s goal was disallowed by VAR for handball. Haaland’s goal saw him break Alan Shearer’s record, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goal involvements (84 goals, 16 assists) in just 94 games, surpassing Shearer’s 100-game mark.

Brighton responded through Pervis Estupinan, who curled in a stunning free kick that left City’s goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega, helpless. However, City regained the lead before halftime with a beautiful strike from Omar Marmoush from the edge of the box.

The second half saw Brighton equalize once again, this time through an unfortunate own goal by City’s Abdukodir Khusanov. The Seagulls nearly took the lead when Yankuba Minteh came close to converting a brilliant cross from Estupinan, while Mitoma forced a save from Ortega. Meanwhile, Marmoush was denied a second goal by Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, after an excellent run from Josko Gvardiol.

Brighton had a golden chance to snatch all three points when Carlos Baleba blazed a clear-cut chance over the bar in the closing minutes. Both sides ultimately settled for a point, with City remaining fifth on the table, one point ahead of seventh-placed Brighton.

Key Stats:

• Shots on Target: Man City (3), Brighton (3)
• Total Shots: Man City (11), Brighton (15)
• Possession: Man City (54%), Brighton (46%)

Man of the Match:

Erling Haaland – His record-breaking goal and overall performance were vital for City.

With just nine games left in the season, both teams remain firmly in the race for Champions League qualification.