There could have very easily been a different outcome.
This was an afternoon when Manchester City accumulated an xG of 1.92, compared to 1.00 for Brighton, so there was no shortage of chances for the hosts.
Home head coach Enzo Maresca will be all too aware that City will have to rediscover their finishing touch – and quickly – if they are to mark his debut campaign in charge with a first Premier League title since 2024.
Manchester City had 21 shots on target without scoring, their highest number without doing so in the Premier League since November 2024, when they managed 24 in a game and drew a blank.
When Maresca sits down to pick apart his side’s shortcomings, he will look rueful at chances from Iliman Ndiaye, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nunes in particular.
But to say Brighton’s victory only came because of an off performance from City would be an extreme injustice to Hurzeler’s side, who are quickly becoming one of the most well-rounded in the Premier League.
In addition to being the division’s highest scorers – having found the back of the net 24 times in nine matches this season – Brighton have also kept the most clean sheets (six).
Only Premier League champions Arsenal – who have played one game less and travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday – have conceded fewer goals than Brighton’s seven. Arsenal have shipped five, going into the Liverpool game.
One of the main reasons behind Brighton’s solid rearguard has been the signing of Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham Hotspur.
The 19-year-old has been a transformative figure since arriving at Amex Stadium for a club record fee in July, starting all nine Premier League matches.
The Croatian has formed a rock-solid partnership with fellow centre-back Lewis Dunk and built an understanding with goalkeeper Verbruggen, all of whom played the full 90 minutes at the Etihad.
“It was a good game from all of us,” said Verbruggen. “I’m happy to help the team and make some important saves, but I wasn’t the only one.
“I think there were four or five shots blocked in an amazing way as well. It was a joint effort from everyone. We celebrate and go again.”
