Manchester City Defeats Brighton 2-1, Returns to Premier League Top Spot

Manchester City avoid third straight loss, ending goal drought for striker Erling Haaland and setting club record with 21st consecutive home win.

Manchester City regained the top spot in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Brighton; first-half goals from Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland brought an end to the defending champion's two-game losing streak.
Brighton's Ansu Fati managed to pull one back in the 73rd minute, leading to a tense finale, especially after Manchester City's Manuel Akanji received a second yellow card deep in stoppage time.
City's influential midfielder Rodri, who had missed previous losses due to a suspension, returned to help the team control the first half of the game.
Brighton's poor defensive decision allowed Haaland to end a goal drought of almost a month; the Norwegian now has 45 Premier League goals in 44 games.
Brighton had to endure further misfortune with an injury to Solly March, who was taken off on a stretcher in stoppage time.