Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez scores a stunning free kick as Brighton & Hove Albion hold Premier League champions to a 1-1 draw
Mahrez's goal cancels out Leandro Trossard's opener for Brighton as City drop points in the title race
Erling Haaland fails to score for the first time in a Premier League game for City as Brighton earn a deserved point at the Etihad Stadium
Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with Riyad Mahrez's stunning free kick cancelling out Leandro Trossard's opener for the visitors.
The result leaves City two points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, while Brighton move up to seventh place.
Brighton took a shock lead in the 22nd minute when Trossard curled a fine effort into the top corner from the edge of the box.
City responded well and Mahrez levelled the scores with a superb free kick in the 27th minute.
The home side continued to dominate possession but Brighton defended resolutely and held on for a deserved point.
Erling Haaland failed to score for the first time in a Premier League game for City, but he came close on several occasions.
The Norwegian striker hit the crossbar with a header in the first half and also saw a shot saved by Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in the second half.
Brighton had a few chances to win the game in the closing stages, but they were unable to find a way through City's defence.
The draw means that City have now dropped points in three of their last four Premier League games.
They will be looking to get back to winning ways when they travel to Leicester City on Saturday.
Brighton, meanwhile, will be pleased with their performance against the champions.
They have now taken seven points from their last four Premier League games and are in good form heading into the second half of the season.
Conclusion
Manchester City's draw with Brighton & Hove Albion was a fair result in a match that was closely contested throughout.
Brighton defended resolutely and made it difficult for City to create clear-cut chances.
City will be disappointed to have dropped points in the title race, but they will be confident of bouncing back when they travel to Leicester City on Saturday.
