"It has been a tough start to 2026 for City with central defenders Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias also suffering significant injuries. With John Stones on the sidelines too, City were forced to field an unfamiliar pair at the back in 21-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov and debutant Max Alleyne. Alleyne, the 20-year-old son of former England cricketer Mark, was hurriedly recalled from his loan spell at Watford this week."
"Perhaps sensing a weakness in City's backline, Brighton started positively and the recently re-signed Pascal Gross had a header saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma before Ferdi Kadioglu was also denied by the keeper. City were largely limited to half-chances in a quiet opening with Bernardo Silva firing tamely at Bart Verbruggen and Haaland planting a header wide. The hosts had a scare when Georginio Rutter broke through on goal but Khusanov raced back to block his shot."
Erling Haaland scored from the penalty spot for his 150th Manchester City goal to put City ahead, but Kaoru Mitoma equalised for Brighton with his first goal since September. The draw marked a third successive game in which City dropped points, and late chances from Haaland and Rayan Cherki were squandered. Central defenders Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias suffered significant injuries, and with John Stones sidelined City fielded Abdukodir Khusanov and debutant Max Alleyne at the back. Brighton began positively and tested goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. A VAR review led to the award of City's penalty after Jérémy Doku went down in the box. The result gives Arsenal the chance to move eight points clear.
Read at ESPN
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