Manchester City title chase don chop another blow after Brighton force dem to 1–1 draw, as Kaoru Mitoma score fine equaliser to frustrate Pep Guardiola side and keep Arsenal firmly for top.
City don now record three straight draws, a run wey don leave dem five points behind league leaders Arsenal, with the Gunners still get one game in hand — a worrying sign as Premier League season dey enter critical stage.
City take the lead through Erling Haaland penalty, after Jérémy Doku win spot-kick when Brighton defender no fit handle him quick feet. Haaland calmly send goalkeeper wrong way to register him 150th goal for the club.
But instead of push on and kill the game, City miss plenty chances, especially for second half, allowing Brighton grow into the match.
Pep Guardiola side fire 22 shots, but only six hit target, a wasteful performance wey later cost dem.
“We do many good things, but we no score goals,” Guardiola talk after the match. “To score goals na part of your job, and all of us up front miss chances.”
City injury wahala continue as Rúben Dias and Josko Gvardiol remain out, forcing young defenders Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov into action. Despite the pressure, the two youngsters hold their ground well against Brighton attack.
Brighton, under Fabian Hürzeler, sit deep for first half with almost eight yellow shirts defending, frustrating City and blocking space. But dem nearly score on counter when Ferdi Kadioglu break through, only for City keeper to deny am.
Second half start with City almost doubling their lead after Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari mistakenly pass ball to Bernardo Silva, but the Portuguese clip the post instead.
That miss come back haunt City.
With space allowed outside the box, Kaoru Mitoma cut inside cleanly and fire low shot from 18 yards, beating City keeper to restore parity for Brighton.
“He fit change game anytime,” Hürzeler talk about Mitoma. “Even though he no 100% fit yet, he still make difference.”
After the equaliser, Brighton gain confidence and even miss chance to go ahead when Diego Gómez fail to tap in from close range.
Guardiola throw in more attacking players late on, but City still no fit find winner. Haaland miss clear header, while Rayan Cherki blaze over from good position as frustration build.
With the draw, City title ambition don take serious hit, while Brighton once again show say dem fit stand toe-to-toe with the league’s biggest sides.
For Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, team spirit alone no go be enough — goals and sharp finishing must return fast if dem wan stay for title race.
