Four things we learnt as Brighton produce stunning comeback to beat Man City

Brighton Man City

Manchester City were stunned on Sunday, with Brighton producing a remarkable comeback to win 2-1 at the Amex Stadium

|

PA

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 31/08/2025

- 16:00

Updated: 31/08/2025

- 16:02

ANALYSIS: GB News sports editor Jack Otway will talk you through today's action from the Amex Stadium

Manchester City were stunned on Sunday, with Brighton producing a remarkable comeback to win 2-1 at the Amex Stadium.

City looked as though they'd claim all three points when Erling Haaland struck in the 34th minute of the match.


However, after Matheus Nunes handled in his own box, Brighton were able to level through veteran James Milner.

Brajan Gruda then struck late to spark wild celebrations around the ground, with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler left elated. GB News now takes a look at four things we learnt from the contest.

City continue to look a shadow of their usual selves

Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has been left with plenty of food for thought following Man City's failure to beat Brighton

|

REUTERS

There's no denying City remain a great team when everybody is operating at the peak of their powers.

However, Pep Guardiola's side currently look a shadow of the team that won four Premier League titles on the trot between 2021 and 2024 - which is likely to keep the Spaniard up at night.

City just aren't creating chances like they used to and many of their signings in 2025 are struggling to get going.

Part of the reason for that may be their decision to cut Kevin De Bruyne loose.

City miss the Belgium international, even though his level started to dip during his final months at the Etihad Stadium.

With just three points from a possible nine, Guardiola has plenty of work to do.

Trafford performance a positive

James Trafford

James Trafford impressed for Man City despite their defeat to Brighton on Sunday

|

GETTY

One person who can hold his head up high for City is goalkeeper James Trafford, even if he couldn't keep Brighton at bay.

Guardiola's men are widely expected to seal a deal for Gianluigi Donnarumma in the next 24 hours or so, with Ederson poised to depart.

But Trafford has made a solid start to life at City and, without him, today's scoreline could have been a lot worse.

He still gas plenty to improve on in order to reach the very top but City will be pleased with how he's settled in, with the England shot-stopper arguably their best performer at the back so far.

Brighton would have felt aggrieved

Two decisions will likely anger Brighton, despite their victory.

Firstly, manager Fabian Hurzeler was furious when Tijjani Reijnders avoided a red card early on for a reckless tackle on Diego Gomez.

And the Brighton bench were also up in arms in the second half when they were denied a second penalty, with Abdukodir Khusanov catching Brajan Gruda.

Fortunately, Gruda's late goal has spared Premier League chiefs from some awkward questions to answer.

Milner experience and composure proves key

James Milner

James Milner scored a penalty as Brighton came from behind to beat Man City 2-1 on Sunday

|

PA

With Brighton given a spot-kick following Nunes' handball, only one man was going to take it.

James Milner may be 39 but he's not lost any of his composure, with the midfielder relishing the feeling of scoring against his old side.

He did well to keep his cool from 12 yards and send Trafford the wrong way with a pinpoint finish, with his goal paving the way for Gruda's late winner.

Milner's experience will be key as Brighton hunt a place in Europe this season.