Premier League giants Manchester City were sent back north without anything to show for their travels after Brighton out-fought the champions in a memorable 2-1 win.
Scorers: Haaland 23′; Pedro 78′, O’Riley 83′
Pep Guardiola came into the weekend clash on the back of three consecutive losses on all fronts at the City helm and facing the prospect of four straight defeats for the first time in his managerial career, which Seagulls boss Fabian Hürzeler would make sure of.
Erling Haaland set the league holders away in the 23rd minute after bursting his way into the box to ultimately bag his 12th league goal of the season while also becoming the fastest player to 75 Premier League goals.
After heading into the half-time break up a goal, Ederson did well to deny a close-range header by Jack Hinshelwood while maintaining City’s narrow advantage on the scoresheet.
Kevin De Bruyne coming off the bench was a sight for sore eyes for City fans after the Belgian creator-in-chief continued to battle one fitness issue after the next, but Brighton would spoil his arrival with a goal through João Pedro in the 78th minute after slotting home a loose ball in the wake of a penalty box scramble.
Brighton would then take a deserved 2-1 lead in the 83rd minute through substitute Matthew O’Riley, bagging his first-ever Premier League goal on his league debut after calmly slotting past Ederson.
The Seagulls, who started the season so brightly under the young German tactician, now seem to be back on track after temporarily climbing into the top four once again, while City could potentially be five points adrift of Liverpool pending their result against Villa.