Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Manchester City: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, 31 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Brighton & Hove Albion pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory against Manchester City at home, a result that's sent shockwaves through the league. The Seagulls, who had been struggling with a loss and a draw in their recent outings, managed to end City's run of form with a late goal from substitute Brajan Gruda in the 89th minute. This win was unexpected, especially considering City's dominance in their previous matches. Brighton's resilience and tactical nous shone through, proving that they can compete with the best on their day.

Manchester City, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their performance, having lost two games in a row now. Despite taking the lead through Erling Haaland in the 34th minute, they couldn't hold on, and their recent form has taken a hit. The Citizens had been on a winning streak before this match, but Brighton's determination and late surge caught them off guard. City will need to regroup quickly if they want to climb back up the table.

The statistics from the match show a clear dominance in possession by Manchester City, with 63% compared to Brighton's 37%. However, Brighton managed to turn the game around despite having less of the ball, which is a testament to their efficiency and counter-attacking prowess. Both teams had an equal number of yellow cards and successful dribbles, but Brighton's single penalty and late goal made all the difference. It's surprising to see Brighton win with such a low possession rate, but it highlights their ability to capitalise on key moments.

The game's turning point came in the 89th minute when Brajan Gruda scored the winning goal for Brighton, securing a dramatic victory. This late strike came after a series of substitutions by Brighton, including Gruda himself, which injected fresh energy into their attack. Earlier in the match, James Philip Milner converted a crucial penalty in the 67th minute, leveling the score after Manchester City had taken the lead through Erling Haaland in the 34th minute.

The match was also marked by several yellow cards, with Jan Paul van Hecke and Joël Veltman receiving bookings for Brighton, and Abdukodir Khusanov and Rayan Aït Nouri for Manchester City. These moments of tension added to the intensity of the game, but it was Brighton's late surge and effective use of substitutions that ultimately decided the outcome.

Brighton lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bart Verbruggen in goal and a backline of Joël Veltman, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, and Maxim De Cuyper. The midfield was anchored by Carlos Baleba and Jack Hinshelwood, with Yankuba Minteh, Diego Gómez, and Kaoru Mitoma supporting striker Danny Welbeck. The impact of the substitutions was crucial, especially with James Philip Milner scoring from the penalty spot and Brajan Gruda netting the winner. The lineup showed no major surprises, but the tactical changes made by the manager paid off handsomely.

Manchester City opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with James Trafford between the posts and a defense consisting of Matheus Nunes, John Stones, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Rayan Aït-Nouri. The midfield trio of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Tijjani Reijnders supported the attacking line of Oscar Bobb, Erling Haaland, and Omar Marmoush. Despite their strong lineup, City couldn't maintain their lead, and the substitutions made in the second half didn't have the desired impact. Erling Haaland's goal was a highlight, but the team as a whole couldn't secure the win.

Erling Haaland is Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match, despite Brighton's victory. His goal in the 34th minute gave Manchester City the lead, showcasing his clinical finishing. Although he didn't register any assists or create big chances, his presence on the pitch was a constant threat to Brighton's defense. Haaland's contribution was significant, and he remains a key player for City, even in defeat.

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Manchester City (H)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Everton (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Fulham (H)

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Brighton & Hove Albion (A)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Tottenham Hotspur (H)

• Win: 4-0 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

Sitting at 11th in the league with 4 points, Brighton will face AFC Bournemouth, who are in 7th with 6 points, on September 13, 2025 at 14:00. This recent win against Manchester City will boost their confidence, and they'll be looking to build on this momentum. Expect Brighton to approach the game with a similar intensity and tactical flexibility.

Currently at 13th with 3 points, Manchester City's next challenge is against Manchester United, who are in 9th with 4 points, on September 14, 2025 at 15:30. After two consecutive losses, City will need to regroup and find their winning form again. They'll likely come out with a strong desire to prove themselves and climb back up the table.

Game Week 4

• Arsenal V Nottingham Forest

• Bournemouth V Brighton

• Newcastle V Wolves

• Everton V Aston Villa

• Crystal Palace V Sunderland

• Fulham V Leeds United

• West Ham V Tottenham

• Brentford V Chelsea

• Burnley V Liverpool

• Man City V Man United

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.