Man City Held Twice By Brighton To Keep Top-four Race Wide Open

Manchester City's faltering season continued as they twice surrendered the lead in a 2-2 draw against Brighton on Saturday, leaving their Champions League qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

Pep Guardiola's side took an early lead through an Erling Haaland penalty at the Etihad Stadium, but Pervis Estupinan equalised for Brighton. Omar Marmoush restored City's advantage just before halftime, but a second-half own goal from Abdukodir Khusanov handed the Seagulls a share of the points.

The result keeps City in fifth place, one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea, who visit Arsenal on Sunday. They remain just one point ahead of Newcastle and seventh-placed Brighton, with only the top four guaranteed Champions League spots-although fifth place could also suffice depending on English clubs' performances in Europe.

A year ago, City were marching toward a fourth consecutive league title and a sixth in seven years. Now, they face the unthinkable prospect of missing out on Europe's elite competition.

Brighton, who had won four consecutive league games since their humiliating 7-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest, delivered another impressive performance under Fabian Hurzeler as they continued their push for an unlikely Champions League qualification.