Manchester City Stunned by Brighton in Shocking 3-1 Upset at Etihad

Brighton & Hove Albion pulled off one of the Premier League season's most stunning upsets, defeating league leaders Manchester City 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium in a result that has sent shockwaves through English football and dramatically tightened the title race.

The Seagulls took the lead through a brilliant strike from Kaoru Mitoma in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive miscommunication between John Stones and Ederson. The Japanese winger's pace and precision have been hallmarks of Brighton's impressive campaign, and his goal set the tone for what would become a masterclass in counter-attacking football from Roberto De Zerbi's side.

Manchester City equalized just before halftime through Erling Haaland's 28th league goal of the season, a powerful header from Kevin De Bruyne's perfectly weighted cross. The Norwegian striker's consistent scoring has kept City at the top of the table, but even his prolific form couldn't prevent what was to come in the second half.

Brighton shocked the home crowd by retaking the lead in the 58th minute when Evan Ferguson capitalized on a rebound after Ederson parried Pascal Gross's initial shot. The young Irish striker has been a revelation this season, and his composure in front of goal demonstrated why several top European clubs are reportedly monitoring his progress. The visitors then sealed the victory in spectacular fashion when Alexis Mac Allister curled home a sublime free-kick in the 76th minute, leaving Ederson with no chance.

Pep Guardiola's team struggled to break down Brighton's well-organized defensive shape, with the visitors showing remarkable discipline and tactical awareness throughout the contest. City managed just four shots on target despite dominating possession, highlighting Brighton's effectiveness in limiting the champions' creative outlets. De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva found little space to operate, while Haaland was largely isolated up front.

This defeat represents City's second loss in their last four Premier League matches, raising questions about their ability to maintain their title challenge amid a congested fixture schedule. The result leaves them just two points ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool, both of whom have games in hand, setting up what promises to be a thrilling final stretch of the season.

For Brighton, this victory continues their remarkable rise under De Zerbi's guidance, with the Italian coach's attacking philosophy perfectly complementing the squad's technical abilities. The Seagulls now sit comfortably in mid-table with ambitions of European qualification becoming increasingly realistic. This performance will be remembered as one of the defining moments of their Premier League journey.