Brighton continue to tell a remarkable storypublished at 11:35 10 November
11:35 10 November
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Brighton's outstanding win against Manchester City at The Amex Stadium on Saturday night took second billing to the headline news about the latest calamity to befall Pep Guardiola's Premier League champions.
It must not be overlooked, however, just how good Fabian Hurzeler's side were in recovering from conceding an early goal to Erling Haaland, recovering to overpower City and deservedly come from behind to win 2-1.
The traffic was flowing all one way for nearly all of the second half, Brighton's assault on the City goal fuelled by an increasingly expectant home support.
It was only Brighton's own wastefulness in front of goal that kept them trailing until substitute Joao Pedro, the fit-again Matt O'Riley with his first goal for Brighton since signing from Celtic, scored twice in five minutes late on to give The Seagulls what they deserved.
Brighton continue to tell a remarkable story after plucking 31-year-old Hurzeler, a virtual unknown in England, from Germany after he led St. Pauli into the Bundesliga to succeed Roberto De Zerbi.
They stood in the Premier League's top four after Saturday's results.
Hurzeler has seamlessly continued the work of predecessors Graham Potter and De Zerbi with a fearless, all-out attacking style with Brighton never taking a backward step, as Manchester City discovered to their cost.
Manchester City join Manchester United and Tottenham - who lost 3-2 at The Amex after leading 2-0 at the interval - in being eventually worn down by this hugely entertaining Brighton team.
'It's nice to be back playing football'published at 20:29 9 November
20:29 9 November
Brighton midfielder Matt O'Riley spoke to BBC Match of the Day after scoring his first goal for the Seagulls against Manchester City: "It feels really nice, it's just nice to be back playing football. It's my first injury in professional football. I was able to stay positive during my rehab and that has enabled me to come back even sooner which is really nice.
On Carlos Baleba: "He is strong. To put it simply he is an absolute beast. It's nice to play alongside someone like that because he just smashes everyone and makes my life quite easy."
On whether he thought the game was there to be won: "Yeah, especially when there is only one goal in it. The kind of team that we are, we create so many chances it was just a matter of taking those chances and being ruthless. Against teams like Man City it's little details and today we were ruthless."
On whether Brighton can win things: "That should always the aim right. The manager speaks about trying to challenge the establishment and that's what we are trying to do. We're a club that is progressing really nicely in my opinion so why not."
'O'Riley got what he deserved'published at 20:20 9 November
20:20 9 November
Fabian Hurzeler spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Brighton's victory against Manchester City: “I’ve had great experiences at my former clubs, so I wouldn’t say it’s the biggest win of my career – but it’s an important one.
“Last week, we talked about a great performance but not the result against Liverpool. Today we got a result, so I’m happy.
“On the one hand, it’s important to gain self-confidence from games like this. On the other, it’s important to stay humble, keep focusing on the hard work and keep focusing on the process.”
What he told his players at half-time: “In possession, to stay more patient and to make City move. In the first half, we played too many vertical balls and gave too many easy balls away. The subs were great for us. They had an impact and if you have that in the squad, it helps you.”
On Carlos Baleba: “Every player who came on had an impact on the game. Of course, Carlos is showing a great development. He’s a different style of player. He has a different profile, and sometimes you need that profile to get back control of the game.”
On Matt O’Riley: “Part of it is how he worked for his comeback. A lot of players would keep their head down and be negative, but he was very positive. I’m happy he got what he deserved.”
On Brighton’s fans: “It’s so important to have the crowd behind us. They’re our 12th man. We have to make the Amex like our home castle. It’s the support from the fans that makes other teams’ experience not that easy. They’re the most important people and we need to make them happy.”
Did you know?published at 19:52 9 November
19:52 9 November
Only Jhon Duran (8) has more goals as a substitute in the Premier League since the start of last season than Brighton's Joao Pedro (5).
Brighton 2-1 Man City - send us your thoughtspublished at 19:30 9 November
Sutton's predictions: Brighton v Man Citypublished at 09:27 9 November
09:27 9 November
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.
For week 11 he takes on Mylee and Tate from CBBC football drama Jamie Johnson FC (JJFC), which is set in the world of an elite academy at fictional Premier League club Hawx United.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
Brighton ended up losing last week, but they absolutely played Liverpool off the park at Anfield for 45 minutes.
I'd not seen much of Seagulls midfielder Yasin Ayari beforehand but I was at the game for BBC Radio 5 Live, and what a great young player he looks. The same goes for Jack Hinshelwood too.
The way they played out from the back, with such bravery and confidence, was impressive and Liverpool had to dig very deep to recover from 1-0 down and beat them.
Manchester City are going to have to do the same to get back to winning ways. After they lost to Sporting on Tuesday, City midfielder Bernardo Silva said they are "in a dark place" at the moment, but they are champions for a reason and I am expecting a response.
They have got a point to prove, and that might help them find the energy they will need.
Mylee's prediction: I am hoping for a City defeat here! It is going to be close, but I actually think they will win. 2-3
Tate's prediction: There are going to be a lot of goals... and Brighton are going to win. City slipped up last week, and it might happen again. 4-3