Manchester City suffered a second consecutive Premier League defeat on Saturday, losing 1-0 at home to Brighton, who moved within two points of the league leaders.
Third-placed Brighton ended their long wait for a first-ever away victory against City on their 18th attempt, strengthening their ambitions of mounting a serious title challenge.
The Seagulls, who have never won a major trophy, have already demonstrated their credentials this season by convincingly defeating reigning champions Arsenal.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side also gained revenge for their League Cup disappointment against City on Wednesday, when they lost on penalties despite twice taking the lead at the Etihad Stadium.
This time, Brighton held on after Yasin Ayari fired them ahead in the 11th minute.
Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen produced an outstanding performance to withstand City’s second-half pressure, helping the visitors secure a memorable victory.
Brighton were also unfortunate not to extend their advantage, with Jack Hinshelwood striking the side netting late in the game.
City had won their opening seven league matches under Enzo Maresca, who made an impressive start to the daunting task of succeeding Pep Guardiola.
However, the 10-time English champions face uncertainty beyond their performances on the pitch as they continue their legal battle against more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
City have appealed against the charges, but an adverse ruling could result in severe sanctions, including a points deduction or possible relegation from the top flight.
The defeat means Arsenal will have an opportunity to move top of the table if they avoid defeat against Liverpool on Sunday.
Man United self-destruct
Meanwhile, Manchester United extended their winless run to nine games, their longest such streak in 38 years, after suffering a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea.
The Red Devils were left to rue a series of missed first-half opportunities before their performance unravelled after the break.
Morgan Rogers opened the scoring after being allowed to drive through the heart of United’s defence before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Lisandro Martinez then compounded United’s problems by receiving two quickfire yellow cards, with his dismissal also resulting in a penalty.
Cole Palmer converted from the spot to seal Chelsea’s victory and move the Blues into the top four.
“The two halves of football couldn’t probably be further apart,” said United manager Michael Carrick, who expressed confidence that he would remain in charge for Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Roma.
“We looked in a good place going into half-time and then found a way of unravelling it second half,” he added.
Only Nottingham Forest’s 2-0 defeat at Brentford prevented United from slipping into the relegation zone.
An own goal from Nikola Milenkovic and a strike from Igor Thiago secured victory for Brentford, lifting them to sixth in the table.
Elsewhere, Bournemouth continued their impressive form with a 2-0 win over Leeds, courtesy of goals from Evanilson and Amine Adli.
Sunderland remained rooted to the foot of the table after suffering a 3-1 defeat at Coventry, while Hull and Ipswich shared the points in a 2-2 draw.
AFP
