Manchester City’s struggles continue as they fell to Brighton, while Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola is said to have exhausted his luck and is experiencing the most challenging run of his storied career after the English champions succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Brighton on Saturday, marking their fourth consecutive loss.
This unprecedented run for Guardiola, whose managerial career began in 2007, has raised questions about City’s capacity to defend their title amidst mounting injuries and fatigue.
City, who hadn’t lost four consecutive games in all competitions since 2006—prior to the Abu Dhabi era and Guardiola’s transformative arrival—now find themselves trailing league leaders Liverpool by five points.
Erling Haaland put City ahead with his 12th goal of the season, however, Brighton staged a second-half comeback.
Joao Pedro leveled in the 78th minute before assisting Matt O’Riley’s winner in the 83rd minute, capping his impactful Premier League debut.
Brighton players celebrate. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Guardiola acknowledged the severity of the situation, blaming the team’s poor form over unavailable players such as Rodri, the current Ballon d’Or winner sidelined by an ACL injury, and a defense depleted of Rúben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Aké.
“We cannot do it every three days…with the [injury] situation we have,” Guardiola admitted. “I would love to have the players [back].”
Liverpool Tops Premier League With Five Points Clear
Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring during the English Premier League football match against Aston Villa. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Meanwhile, Liverpool seized the opportunity to widen the gap at the top with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.
Darwin Núñez opened the scoring in the 20th minute, followed by Mohamed Salah’s clinching goal in the 84th.
New manager Arne Slot has steered Liverpool to an impressive start, with 28 points from 11 games and 15 wins across 17 matches in all competitions.
Villa’s defeat leaves them in eighth place, while Liverpool head into the international break, heading both the Premier League table and the champions league table.
