Watch Brighton Vs Manchester City highlights as the champions fell to their fourth straight defeat in all competitions.
City had never lost four in a row under Pep Guardiola until yesterday. The Spaniard had only suffered as many consecutive losses once before in his entire managerial career.
But Brighton struck twice late on to sink City and fire themselves into the top four.
Erling Haaland’s first-half opener was cancelled out by João Pedro in the 78th minute, before new signing Matt O’Riley scored the winner on his Premier League debut.
It’s the first time since 2006 that City have lost four on the bounce, showing just how alien this run of form is for them.
But they looked to have stopped the slide when Haaland raced onto Mateo Kovacic’s through ball and fired the visitors in front.
City dominated the first half, but failed to find a crucial second goal.
Brighton then took the ascendancy after the break. They would have been level far sooner but for some poor finishing.
But eventually, an increasingly vulnerable City defence buckled, with Pedro bundling home from a goal-mouth scramble 12 minutes from the end.
The Seagulls then scored the winner five minutes later through O’Riley. Injured on his debut, the former Celtic star marked his return with a well-taken finish from close range to seal a memorable win for Brighton.
Watch: Brighton Vs Manchester City Highlights
The victory takes Brighton into the Champions League places for a few hours.
With Chelsea and Arsenal one point below and both having a superior goal difference, one or both will leapfrog Brighton regardless of the result when they face off on Sunday.
For City, they stay second in the Premier League table, but are now five points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
Next up, Brighton travel to Bournemouth while City host Tottenham, a side they have often struggled against in recent years.
