Manchester City squandered the lead twice in a 2-2 draw against Brighton on Saturday, as Abdukodir Khusanov’s own goal dealt a blow to their Champions League qualification hopes.
Pep Guardiola’s side initially went ahead with an early penalty from Erling Haaland at the Etihad Stadium. However, Pervis Estupiñán brought Brighton level, and while Omar Marmoush restored City’s lead just before halftime, the Seagulls equalized again in the second half following Khusanov’s own goal. City remain fifth in the Premier League, one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea, who face Arsenal on Sunday, and just one point ahead of Newcastle and seventh-placed Brighton.
While the top four are guaranteed a Champions League spot, fifth place could also be enough, depending on how English clubs perform in European competitions this season.
After a dismal campaign, City’s Champions League qualification remains uncertain—a scenario that would have been unimaginable just a year ago when they were cruising toward a fourth straight English title and a sixth in seven seasons.
Brighton, meanwhile, continued their resurgence under Fabian Hürzeler. After suffering a heavy 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, they responded with four consecutive league wins, and this performance further strengthened their hopes of securing Champions League football for the first time.
Pep Guardiola made four changes from the 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest, bringing in Omar Marmoush, Ilkay Gündogan, Stefan Ortega, and Rico Lewis in place of Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Ederson, and Matheus Nunes.
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