The result will be particularly pleasing for Newcastle United, who sit between the two sides and boast a game in hand, giving them a golden opportunity to leapfrog the reigning champions and further solidify their own European ambitions.

With just nine games remaining in the season, the pressure is on as teams jostle for coveted Champions League spots. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the challenging road ahead, despite his trademark optimism. “It looks like it,” Guardiola said, referring to the intensity of the run-in. “Nine games until the end of the season. I’m always confident. I am a master. I find positivity in ­everything. I know it will be difficult. Bernardo [Silva was injured] today, Ederson is injured again. Many things happen and we know it. Nine games, nine finals.”

Guardiola also expressed his frustration with the referee’s decision to book Jérémy Doku for diving, arguing that the winger was simply avoiding a potentially dangerous tackle. “He doesn’t jump, he can break his leg,” Guardiola maintained. “Jeremy is not a diving player. I said to the referee that if he doesn’t jump he can be kicked hard.”

Despite securing a valuable point away from home, Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler showcased his ambitious mentality, expressing disappointment that his team hadn’t secured all three points. “It is a fact,” Hürzeler said of the draw. “But more is a disappointing feeling that we didn’t go home with three points. It is about chasing performance, getting to the next level. We showed an impressive performance, played our style and showed we can compete with any team in the league.”

The match itself was a rollercoaster affair. City took an early lead through an Erling Haaland penalty after Omar Marmoush was brought down in the box. However, Brighton responded in style, with Pervis Estupiñán unleashing a stunning free-kick that rattled the post before nestling into the net.

Both sides had chances to snatch a late winner in a frantic finish. Nico González’s header struck the woodwork for City, while Carlos Baleba blazed over for Brighton with the goal at his mercy. Ultimately, a draw felt like a fair reflection of the contest, reinforcing the narrative that City are a less dominant force this season, while Brighton continues their upward trajectory.

Guardiola’s surprising team selection, which saw the likes of Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, and Kevin De Bruyne benched, raised eyebrows before kickoff. While the early penalty suggested a tactical masterstroke, the resilient Brighton performance highlighted the vulnerability of this current City side. Kaoru Mitoma had an earlier goal disallowed for a foul on City keeper Stefan Ortega, further demonstrating the Seagulls’ intent from the outset.

Brighton’s relentless pressing and intelligent tackling consistently disrupted City’s rhythm, with Diego Gómez’s perfectly timed sliding tackle to deny Haaland a clear shot on goal being a standout moment.