According to a report by BBC Sport on Saturday, October 31, 2026, Brighton secured an impressive 1-0 victory over Manchester City, gaining quick revenge for their midweek Carabao Cup disappointment and handing Enzo Maresca’s side a second consecutive Premier League defeat.

Fabian Hurzeler’s team had twice taken the lead against City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday before eventually losing on penalties. However, Brighton returned to the same venue on Saturday and produced a disciplined performance to claim all three points.

The victory moved Brighton to within two points of third placed Manchester City, further highlighting their strong start to the campaign.

The decisive goal arrived after just 11 minutes when Yasin Ayari punished a costly defensive error from City right back Matheus Nunes. The Portuguese defender failed to make proper contact while attempting to clear the ball, allowing it to fall into Ayari’s path. The Brighton midfielder reacted quickly and finished from close range to put the visitors ahead.

City attempted to respond, with Iliman Ndiaye coming close to equalising after meeting Elliot Anderson’s cross. However, the Senegalese forward sent his header narrowly wide.

Ndiaye remained one of City's biggest attacking threats and later forced Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen into an important save with a powerful effort at the near post.

After the interval, City increased their pressure in search of an equaliser. Ndiaye again found space behind Brighton's defence and unleashed a powerful shot, but Verbruggen produced an outstanding save to push the ball onto the crossbar.

The goalkeeper continued to frustrate the hosts, denying Nunes with another impressive stop. Erling Haaland also struggled to influence proceedings, with the striker receiving limited service. His opportunity to equalise through a header lacked sufficient power to trouble Verbruggen.

Brighton had opportunities to extend their advantage, but Maxim de Cuyper failed to convert from close range before later forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into a save with a header.

Despite missing chances to make the result more comfortable, Hurzeler's players remained organised under pressure and successfully protected their lead.

The result completed an impressive response to their midweek cup defeat and left Manchester City facing further questions after another disappointing league performance.