MANCHESTER (The Thursday Times) — Brighton beat Manchester City 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, their first away win against City in 18 attempts, to inflict a second straight Premier League defeat on Enzo Maresca’s side and close within two points of the top.
Yasin Ayari slotted Brighton ahead in the 11th minute, and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made a string of saves to hold off a City onslaught after half-time. Jack Hinshelwood could have doubled the lead late on but hit the side netting.
The win was revenge for Fabian Hürzeler’s side, who lost to City on penalties in the League Cup on Wednesday despite twice leading at the Etihad. Brighton, who have never won a major trophy, have already beaten champions Arsenal convincingly this season, and now sit third with two points separating the top three.
City won their first seven league games under Maresca, Pep Guardiola’s successor, but their season is overshadowed by the guilty verdict on more than 100 charges of breaking Premier League financial rules. The club has appealed, and could face a heavy points penalty if the ruling stands. Arsenal will go top if they avoid defeat at Liverpool on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Coventry City beat Sunderland 3-1 to leave Manchester United, beaten 2-0 at Chelsea earlier in the day, one place and one point above the relegation zone.
