Brighton secured their first victory of the Premier League season with a dramatic 2-1 win over Manchester City at the Amex Stadium, as substitute Brajan Gruda struck in the 89th minute.
The German midfielder showed composure to round James Trafford and slot home after the City goalkeeper had produced a fine stop to deny Jan Paul van Hecke moments earlier. The goal sealed a comeback triumph and inflicted consecutive defeats on Pep Guardiola’s side.
City had gone ahead in the 34th minute when Erling Haaland marked his 100th Premier League appearance with his 88th goal. The Norwegian forward poked in from close range after Omar Marmoush created the opening. Haaland later squandered further chances that proved costly.
Brighton levelled midway through the second half after Matheus Nunes handled inside the box. Former City midfielder James Milner converted the penalty with trademark precision to score against his old club. At 39 years and 239 days, he became the second oldest scorer in Premier League history behind Teddy Sheringham. It was Milner’s first Brighton goal and his first in the competition since December 2019 when he netted for Liverpool against Leicester.
From that point, the home side carried the greater threat. Gruda, a summer signing from Mainz last year, punished City’s lack of authority in the closing stages with his third goal for the club.
City, beaten 2-0 by Tottenham the previous weekend, have now taken just three points from their opening three matches. Brighton move on to four and will take encouragement from back-to-back positive results against Guardiola’s men after last season’s win at the Amex and draw at the Etihad.
Guardiola’s side struggled throughout the second half, failing to muster a single shot on target after the interval. Guardiola’s concerns will be heightened by his side’s defensive lapses and lack of control despite the return of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who made his first league start since September.
Heading into the international break, City face searching questions over their form, while Brighton can look forward with renewed confidence after a stirring late victory.