Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush on target but Man City held to Premier League draw by Brighton

Norwegian attacker makes 100th Premier League goal contribution as Guardiola’s side twice fail to hold onto lead at the Etihad Stadium

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  Manchester City's Erling Haaland, right, celebrates with his teammate Omar Marmoush after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion at Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo / Ian Hodgson)

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  City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, centre, scores an own goal for Brighton to make it 2-2 at the Etihad Stadium. PA

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  Brighton's Jack Hinshelwood and Georginio Rutter celebrate after Abdukodir Khusanov's own goal for Manchester City. Reuters

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  Omar Marmoush fires home a superb finish to put Man City 2-1 in front. PA

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  Manchester City's Egyptian striker Omar Marmoush celebrates after scoring in the 39th minute. EPA

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  Pervis Estupinan curls home a free-kick for Brighton to make it 1-1. Reuters

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  Brighton's Pervis Estupinan celebrates scoring to level the scores in the 22nd minute. Reuters

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  City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega can only watch as Pervis Estupinan's free-kick hits the back of net via the post to level for Brighton. Reuters

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  Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, right and his Brighton counterpart Fabian Hurzeler. Reuters

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  Erling Haaland scores a penalty for Manchester City in the 11th minute to make it 1-0. Getty Images

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  City striker Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring from the spot which made it a 100 Premier League record forgoal contributions in 94 games for the Norwegian. Getty Images

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  Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma bundles the ball home with the score still at 0-0 but is ruled to have fouled Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. PA

Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush were both on target for Manchester City but Pep Guardiola's side could only manage a 2-2 draw against Brighton on Saturday.

The Norwegian striker opened the scoring in the 11th minute, confidently finishing from the penalty spot after Marmoush was brought down in the box by Adam Webster.

It was Haaland's 100th Premier League goal contribution in his 94th game for City – 84 goals 16 assists – the quickest of any player in the competition's history.

Brighton were level just 10 minutes later when Pervis Estupinan curled home a stunning free-kick via the post, although questions will be asked of City keeper Stefan Ortega's positioning and failure to even attempt a save.

City retook the lead in spectacular fashion six minutes before the break when Egyptian attacker Marmoush smashed a glorious strike into the bottom corner after being teed-up by Ilkay Gundogan.

But in what has become an all-too familiar story this season, City's brittle defence was breached again as they failed to deal with a Brighton corner and Abdukodir Khusanov could only divert Jack Hinshelwood's shot into his own net.

Both sides could have snatched all three points in a frantic finish with Nico Gonzalez heading against the post for City while at the other end, Carlos Baleba ballooned Joao Pedro's perfect ball across the box over the bar from 12 yards.

The draw keeps City fifth in the table on 48 points, one behind Chelsea who take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Brighton, who had won their previous four league games, remain seventh just a point behind City but could be overtaken by Bournemouth if the Cherries beat Brentford at home in Saturday's late game.

City midfielder Gundogan admitted to feeling “very disappointed” at his team's failure to win the game.

“After getting twice in front and actually playing quite well,” said the German who returned to City last summer after a season in Spain with Barcelona. “It's a bit frustrating to not get the three points.

“We were able to limit their possession. Second half, after conceding the second, it felt like we dropped in confidence and belief.

“We dropped a little bit and gave away easy chances. It's important to stay calm. Of course, mistakes happen even at this level.

“The opposition are so good. Every game is tough. Then when you concede sometimes you try not to do overdo things.

“We need to expect the best from everyone every single day. I thought we had a good week of training.

“We want to transmit that power and energy into the game. Sometimes it isn't enough.”

City now have managed just four points in four games leaving their hopes of qualification for next season's Uefa Champions League on a knife edge with nine matches to go.

They also have a tricky FA Cup quarter-final clash away to Bournemouth in the competition which represents their final opportunity of securing silverware this season.

Brighton are also still in the FA Cup running – they face this season's Premier League surprise packages Nottingham Forest for a place in the semi-finals.

Since their 7-0 humiliation at Forest in the league, the Seagulls have been in superb form, winning six games and drawing once across all competitions.

Despite securing a rare point at the Etihad – Brighton having never won an away game against City and losing their previous 10 attempts – Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler was frustrated at the result.

“We gave away goals in a very cheap way and we have to improve,” said the German coach.

“The fact that we came back twice and we had big opportunities to go for the win is a very positive one. We showed our identity and that's how we want to play.

“Overall, I am happy with the performance, but not happy with the result.

“It is very obvious for me and clear that we should leave this pitch as a winner. Sometimes in football it's like this.

“We have to analyse this game and then we should be disappointed about the draw.

“We should stay grounded, humble and keep pushing each other.

“This club always works hard. We have a situation with the run after the Forest game. It is because we're doing the basics right. We have to keep doing it for the rest of the season.”