Brighton delivered a huge upset on Saturday with a 2-1 comeback win over the reigning Premier League champions Manchester City. It was City’s fourth straight loss in all competitions and the first such stretch of manager Pep Guardiola’s career.
The last time City endured a four-game losing streak was in 2006. They lost the last three games of the 2005-06 season and the opener of the 2006-07 season. Meanwhile, Guardiola has never endured this kind of losing spell since making his managerial debut in 2007 with Barcelona’s reserve team.
Manchester City actually looked in good shape against Brighton, opening the scoring in the 23rd minute through star striker Erling Haaland. They continued to control the game for the better part of the second half as well before Brighton grabbed an equalizer through Joao Pedro in the 78th minute after confusion in the penalty area. Just five minutes later, Matt O’Riley made it 2-1 for Brighton, which ended up being the final score.
Speaking with reporters after the game, Guardiola said that City needs to change its losing ways and need to do it quickly.
“We have to try and win games again. We were not able to sustain the rhythm in the second half. Four [defeats] in a row. We have to change things quick,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola also recognized that City is losing ground in the Premier League title race. They are currently second in the standings with five points less than leaders Liverpool.
“Maybe after seven years winning six Premier Leagues, maybe one year another team deserve it,” he added.
