Manchester City vs Brighton and Hove Albion Player Ratings – A Stalemate Gives A Point Each as the UCL Race Gets Heated

Manchester City drew 2-2 at home to Brighton and Hove Albion thanks to goals from Haaland and Marmoush for the home side, Estupinan and Khusanov own goal for the visitors. This result has put City at fifth while Brighton remain seventh, still in the hunt for that spot.

Manchester City made three changes to their playing eleven, with Lewis, Gundogan, Marmoush coming in and Nunes, Bernardo and Foden going out. Brighton on the other hand made only a single change, as Gomez replaced Ayari in the central midfield.

Brighton were off to a fantastic start as Hinshelwood set up Mitoma excellently with a low cross, who clumsily bundled it in after a collision with Ortega but unfortunately, VAR ruled it out for a foul on him. Manchester City hit back with a goal after Erling Haaland converted a penalty with ease after Marmoush was fouled in the box.

Brighton immediately countered with a free-kick, after Estupinan converted it from twenty yards away. Manchester City continued their attacking intent and were rewarded for it when they restored their lead as Marmoush hit it sumptuously from outside the box. The half ended with Cityzens going into the dressing room with a narrow lead.

Brighton did not take too long to equalise when Hinshelwood fired an equaliser in a chaotic corner kick which deflected into the net after hitting Khusanov. While Manchester City controlled possession, Brighton did not find it hard to defend. The stadium was surprised when Bernardo Silva was subbed off for just 17 minutes. Both teams got quality chances to get into the lead as Nico Gonzalez hit the post from a corner and Baleba failed to hit a shot on target after getting into a one v one with the goal-keeper. The game ended on level terms as both sides failed to capitalise on a late winner.

Here are the player ratings for Manchester City vs Brighton and Hove Albion.

Manchester City Player Ratings

GK- Stefan Ortega- 6/10

He had some moments but he was not at fault for both of those goals and was unlucky to concede twice.

LB- Josko Gvardiol- 6/10

The fullback did not face any issues to deal with Minteh as he cleared away dangers.

CB- Ruben Dias – 6/10

The captain played with a calm persona, syncing perfectly with his partner and did well to recycle and maintain possession.

CB- Abdukodir Khusanov – 5/10

The young defender continued his aggressive presence in the backline, not afraid to get stuck into challenges. Unfortunately, he diverted the ball into his own net during a corner routine.

RB- Rico Lewis – 5.5/10

His defensive display and attacking instincts both looked average as he struggled throughout.

CM- Nico Gonzalez – 6/10

He came quite close to get the goal from a corner kick as his header hit the bar.

CM- Ilkay Gundogan – 6/10

While he delivered an assist, his impact on the game overall was not as high as one would expect.

CAM- Omar Marmoush – 8/10

His tricky feet were the reason for winning the foul in the box that resulted in the penalty. He also took a fantastic shot from outside the box which got him the goal.

LW- Jeremy Doku – 5.5/10

While there were flashes of his skills, he did not trouble the defenders nor create deadly chances.

ST- Erling Haaland – 7/10

He converted his penalty calmly to give his side the lead. But, outside of that he did not receive a lot of service.

RW- Savinho – 5.5/10

He unnecessarily got into the books of the referee for delaying the restart of the match.

SUB- Bernardo Silva – NA

It was surprising to see him only for 17 minutes as he got subbed off instantly.

SUB- Phil Foden – 5/10

The attacker did not influence the game like he would have wanted to.

SUB- Kevin de Bruyne- NA

The veteran attacking midfielder was put in late in the game to find the winner.

Manager- Pep Guardiola – 5/10

Another defensive disaster class from his side and the substitutions from him did not have any positive impact like he would have hoped.

Brighton Player Ratings

GK- Bart Verbruggen – 5.5/10

He pulled off some saves that denied goals but could have done better in some occasions.

LB- Pervis Estupinan – 8/10

He hit a fantastic free-kick to level things for his side. His defensive efforts deserve applause too as he locked up the left flank.

CB- Adam Webster – 5/10

He committed a foul which led to a penalty for Manchester City and as a result, started to play on the backfoot.

CB- Jan Paul van Hecke – 6/10

A standard defensive display, winning the ball back and circulating it around to keep the possession.

RB- Jack Hinshelwood – 7.5/10

His cross to setup Mitoma was excellent, forcing a goal from a corner routine, which showed his attacking quality. His defending instincts were also excellent and did not struggle to face Doku.

CM- Carlos Baleba – 5.5/10

He had a great chance to put his side in the lead but he fluffed it horribly.

CM- Diego Gomez – 7/10

He was alert while defending, sniffing out dangers and winning the ball back with ease.

CAM- Georginio Rutter – 6.5/10

The attacking midfielder moved silkily in occasions and was responsible for winning the freekick from which they equalised. But he made an error that led to a goal for Manchester City.

LW- Kaoru Mitoma – 5.5/10

His goal got ruled out after an altercation with Ortega and even got booked after an unnecessary foul.

ST- Joao Pedro – 5/10

His finishing was rusty in multiple occasions and he should have done better with the chances that he got.

RW- Yankuba Minteh – 5.5/10

The attacker with tricky feet troubled the defenders on occasion but failed to have a sustained impact.

SUB- Simon Adingra – NA

The wide attacker was put in to chase for the winning goal.

SUB- Brajan Gruda – NA

He was put in to add a new perspective to the attack, but he failed to do so.

SUB- Mats Weiffer – NA

The midfielder entered the pitch to add some stability and defensive solidarity.

Manager- Fabian Hürzeler – 7/10

A fantastic result away from home for his side as they consistently attacked the home side and defended very well too. His substitutions worked out well and their hunt for the UCL spots stays alive.

The Sportsdunia Player of the Match goes to Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush.