Seagulls 'deserved a draw' at the Etihadpublished at 11:06 GMT 8 January
11:06 GMT 8 January
Image source, Getty Images
Kaoru Mitoma's 60th-minute equaliser helped guide the Seagulls to a valuable point on the road at Manchester City.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, Mitoma said: "We have to be better. First half, we were not good enough, in terms of intensity and sticking together.
"Second half, we changed a little bit and after the goal we controlled it a bit. I think we deserved a draw."
Earlier in the season Mitoma missed 10 games through injury and he said his time on the sidelines was difficult.
"It is two months since I got an injury. A very tough moment for me. Now I scored the second goal, I want to score more. I want to contribute for the team."
Japan became the first country to qualify for this summer's World Cup finals, but Mitoma is focusing on Brighton for now.
"Of course, everyone wants to play in the World Cup, but we have to focus on the Premier League. We need more points for the team," added Mitoma.
Rodrique: Frustrating performance. We played well but failed to win again. We don't kill games when we have opportunities to do it. We have possession but lack ideas in the final third. Our poor run coincides surprisingly with Erling Haaland's goal drought.
Youssef: Disgraceful from City. Koaru Mitoma scored with ease, as he was given too much space and faced no real pressure. We can't convert our shots. If we don't buy Marc Guehi, I can't see us winning the Premier League. However, I am excited for Semenyo to join after his finish against Tottenham.
Shaun: Title race is done. Phil Foden was well off it and Rayan Cherki has been world class he should have been started. The makeshift defence was poor and we will be lucky to get into the top four. Pep Guardiola will be leaving on a low.
Sandra: Oh for Kevin de Bruyne. He would have found a way to score against Brighton.
Brighton fans
Fran: Hard-fought point but should have been three. Played really well at times but we continually give the ball away in really dangerous places where sooner or later we will get punished. Definitely need another striker - someone who can hold the ball up and bring players in to play. Still think we will finish in the bottom half of the table this season.
Maff: Chaotic and disorganised at times. Far too many loose passes and players not in right positions. However, a good point. Arsenal fans will be thanking us.
Alastair: Brighton have something of a hex on almost all of the so-called 'top' teams so their failure to convert more of their chances and win is actually a bit disappointing. That said, Haaland could have had a double hat-trick.
Pedro: A long journey north to steal a point from one of Europe's best teams… and could have won it. Solid effort Brighton.
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 07:24 GMT 8 January
07:24 GMT 8 January
Pundits Danny Murphy and Stephen Warnock are on hand to bring you the action and talking points from the nine Premier League fixtures so far this week.
Man City 1-1 Brighton: What Hurzeler saidpublished at 22:51 GMT 7 January
22:51 GMT 7 January
Media caption,
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler spoke to Sky Sports after his side's draw to Manchester City: "We played a strong first half. In the second half they were better, but we came back to make it 1-1. In the end you have to be happy.
"We started the game strong and had chances. You need to score goals to win a game. The main thing for us is we had chances."
On what his side must do in remaining games: "If we can do it against the top teams, we should be able to find a way against all teams - to show the same belief, courage and personality. That's what I demand from my team."
On playing at their best consistently: "It's the biggest challenge we have. You need to be on your highest level every day. It won't be easy, but that's the challenge we want to face."
Karou Mitoma's equalising goal for Brighton was just the second scored by a Japanese player against Manchester City in the Premier League, after Shinji Okazaki netted for Leicester City against the Cityzens in May 2017, also at the Etihad Stadium.
Analysis: Seagulls leave with regretspublished at 22:17 GMT 7 January
22:17 GMT 7 January
Shamoon Hafez Football reporter at Etihad Stadium
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton and their hearty following all the way from the south coast will be left disappointed with a draw - Manchester City were there for the taking but they were unable to get the job done.
How they did not score in the first half will be a mystery. They were provided with gilt-edged opportunities which other teams visiting Etihad Stadium can only dream of.
Ferdi Kadioglu and Georginio Rutter were both guilty but Kaoru Mitoma did manage to draw them level with a delightful strike, rolled into the bottom corner out of the reach of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Boss Fabian Hurzeler and counterpart Pep Guardiola had plenty of words to say to each other on the touchline during the game, and the pair shared words too at full-time as Brighton extended their unbeaten run against City to four meetings.
Man City v Brighton: Team newspublished at 18:28 GMT 7 January
18:28 GMT 7 January
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has shaken up the team on Wednesday night, partly because of injuries to give others a rest, following Sunday's late draw against Chelsea.
It means there is a senior City debut for 20-year-old academy product Max Alleyne, who was recalled from a season-long loan at Watford to aid the club's injury crisis in defence.
He partners Abdukhodir Khusanov, with Nathan Ake, Nico Gonzalez and Jeremy Doku also coming in.
Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Nico O'Reilly, Rodri and Rayan Cherki drop out.
Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Alleyne, Khusanov, Ake, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Silva, Foden, Doku, Haaland.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurtzeler makes three changes from the side that beat Burnley last time out.
Pascal Gross makes his first start since returning from Borussia Dortmund in this transfer window, with Maxim de Cuyper and Jack Hinshelwood also coming in.
Joel Veltman, Brajan Gruda and Charalampos Kostoulas drop out.
Former City midfielder James Milner, aiming to be only the fifth player aged 40 or over to feature in the Premier League, is on the bench.
Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Gomez, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu, De Cuyper, Hinshelwood, Ayari, Mitoma, Gross, Rutter.
Man City v Brighton: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 09:25 GMT 7 January
09:25 GMT 7 January
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
After losing ground in the title race with back-to-back draws, Manchester City look to return to winning ways against Brighton on Wednesday (19:30 GMT). BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before the match.
Haaland blip coincides with City setbacks
Enzo Fernandez's injury-time equaliser for Chelsea on Sunday left Manchester City six points adrift of leaders Arsenal, prompting Pep Guardiola to demand more ruthless finishing from his side.
"Being clinical is all part of the stats," the City boss said, adding: "You can create chances – our expected goals is higher than everyone – but you have to do it."
His side were slightly unfortunate to drop points at Sunderland on New Year's Day, when their expected goals total was 2.25 – their highest in a Premier League game in which they failed to score since March 2022.
But it was a different story at the weekend, particularly after the break, with their xG of 1.02 the lowest they have recorded in a top-flight match at Etihad Stadium all season.
The key to putting that right is providing better service to Erling Haaland, who has scored in each of his past four Premier League appearances against Brighton.
The Norwegian already has 38 goals for club and country in 2025-26 but has drawn a blank in his three outings since Christmas. The 25-year-old has never gone four consecutive top-flight starts without scoring in his career.
Milner awaits milestone appearance
Brighton ended a six-match winless run with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday, lifting the Seagulls back into the top half of the table.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler praised his side for controlling the game, with Albion completing 546 passes – their highest total in a Premier League game this season – and restricting the Clarets to just five shots.
A very different challenge awaits in midweek. Brighton have never won away to Manchester City in the league, losing 12 of 15 games. They did, however, draw 2-2 on their most recent visit to the Etihad last season and also claimed a 2-1 win when the sides met at Amex Stadium in August.
James Milner scored from the penalty spot in that victory, becoming – aged 39 – the second-oldest scorer in Premier League history. Another milestone may await against his former club. Milner celebrated his birthday on Sunday and could become only the fifth outfield player to appear in the competition after turning 40.
Brighton beat them on the south coast earlier in the season and they are another awkward team who I always feel pose a threat.
City are short of fit centre-halves after Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol were both injured against Chelsea and that will hardly help.
But Pep Guardiola's side cannot afford to lose any more ground in the title race and I am going to back them to get back on track.
The only thing they were really missing against Sunderland and Chelsea was to be a bit clinical.
Erling Haaland cannot keep missing chances, and he is going to go on a run, so I'm putting him down to get a hat-trick - I deserve an extra point if I'm right about that.
Hurzeler on Gross, Milner's longevity and 'role model' Guardiolapublished at 11:16 GMT 6 January
11:16 GMT 6 January
Grace Wheeler BBC Sport
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 19:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On team news: "Mats Wieffer won't be available, he still has an issue with his toe. Minteh - we need to have a look, still not perfect but there's a minor chance he will be available tomorrow. At the moment everyone else seems to be fine."
Hurzeler added he is confident that Kaoru Mitoma will be able to start again, after playing against Burnley on Saturday.
Hurzeler on Pascal Gross' return to the club: "We brought him in to play, therefore he is an option and he plays a big part of our thoughts for the second part of the season."
On how he envisages using Gross: "I think Pascal's position is a centre midfielder. He can define the rhythm of the game, create chance and finish in attack. He is capable of scoring and making assists and therefore we want to bring him into this position."
On James Milner potentially playing a Premier League game past the age of 40: "If you see him working, you can understand how it is possible. It is incredible what he is capable of doing for his age. He is a role model for every young player and he is a role model for everyone in the world because he is working so hard, he's so professional and disciplined."
Carlos Baleba is playing for Cameroon at Afcon and Hurzeler said: "I watched all the games so far, there were some good performances and some where he can do better. In the last performance he deserved to be man of the match, although he did get cramp during the game. He looked good and he looked happy, which is important for us. We are keeping our fingers crossed that he goes as far as possible and looking forward to having him back."
On City boss Pep Guardiola: "For me, Pep is the best coach we have in the Premier League. He is always capable of evolving and adapting the game. He is a role model for every coach."
'Perfect way to begin our January business' published at 16:12 GMT 5 January
16:12 GMT 5 January
Joe Sayers Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
They say in life you should never go back, that returning to something from your past rarely lives up to the memory. But after the joy of Pascal Gross returning at the turn of the new year, I am starting to seriously doubt that notion. Some things, it seems, are simply meant to be revisited.
The return of the club legend was announced at almost the perfect moment. With a run of poor performances beginning to drain belief and patience from sections of the Albion fanbase, the news felt like a much-needed lift. It was a reminder of better times, of consistency and leadership in a player who truly understands what this club represents.
It is funny how quickly your mood in football can change, and how one man can completely turn around the emotions of an entire supporter group. One announcement, one familiar face, and suddenly optimism starts to creep back in. That is the power Pascal Gross has always had at Brighton.
Something just feels right again having him back. The excitement of getting to my seat on Saturday felt like being a kid at Christmas. I could not wait to see him back out on that pitch, wearing the badge proudly once again, as if he had never left.
There is no doubt in my mind that this will be a successful return. Yes, he was introduced while we were already 2–0 up against a struggling Burnley side, but his presence was immediate. You could almost feel it, the voice, the calm, the authority. He lifted those around him by just being there.
Quite simply, it was the perfect way to begin our January business. Now, with renewed belief and a familiar leader back among us, let's kick on in the second half of the season and dare to chase our dreams once again.
Gross feels 'at home' on Brighton returnpublished at 12:26 GMT 5 January
12:26 GMT 5 January
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton's Pascal Gross said he feels "so at home" after returning to the Premier League with a 2-0 win against strugglers Burnley.
The 34-year-old midfielder rejoined the Seagulls after he departed for boyhood club Borussia Dortmund 18 months ago.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, Gross said he "always missed" playing at the Amex Stadium.
"I always felt like one day I hopefully will be and can be back. I am delighted to be back," added Gross.
The German midfielder helped guide Brighton to their highest league finish when they finished the 2022-23 campaign in sixth and secured a place in Europe.
Gross has played in 16 games for Dortmund this season and confirmed he is "fit and ready to go" on his return to Albion, where he made 262 appearances over seven years.
"I want to make a big impact for the group," he told BBC Radio Sussex. "Try to make everyone a bit better in terms of giving them the ball in the right positions, making them shine, and making the forwards score."
He has signed a 18-month contract at Brighton, and will look to add to his 85 total goal contributions in the Premier League.
"I loved playing for the club, and I am loving it again," he added. "I am really looking forward to the daily basic work and helping the club go as far as possible."
Brighton 2-0 Burnley - the fans' verdictpublished at 07:08 GMT 5 January
07:08 GMT 5 January
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brighton and Burnley.
Here are some of your comments:
Brighton fans
Thomas: Much-needed three points! Lovely to see Gross back and he showed a touch of class when he came on. Kostoulas' performance and a clean sheet were also bonuses.
Fran: Very comfortable win. Burnley were poor. Thought we would have gone for more goals but seemed content with the two. Good that we won but I really do think we are a boring team to watch. There were similar comments from fans as we walked down the concourse after the game.
Jane: Very pleasing to finally get three points! It was fun to see the reaction to Gross. However, the performance was still ponderous and, to be frank, a bit boring at times. The exception was Kadioglu, who was quick and always moved forwards.
Burnley fans
Steven: Worst performance of the season. Absolutely no positives. We're six points from safety, which is unbelievable. Time for a change of manager and have a swing at staying up because we are going with a whimper at the moment!
Alan: Scott Parker's motive would appear to be if something's not working, don't do anything about it. Yet again, a defensive set-up breached with early goal - game over. How much longer do we have to endure this naivety? At least go down fighting so the fans can get behind the team.
Bob: Every travelling fan deserves a team that at least tries to win the game. No desire, no guts, no fighting spirit . Hang your heads in shame. People travelled for hours to support you and that's the effort you put into it.
Brighton analysis: Feel-good factor returns for Seagullspublished at 18:54 GMT 3 January
18:54 GMT 3 January
Steve Sutcliffe BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
After failing to record a win during a frustrating December period, a home fixture against a toiling Burnley side proved to be a perfect new year tonic for Brighton.
Fabian Hurzeler's side were in full control throughout, underlined by the 599 passes they attempted - their highest in a top-flight game this term – as they enjoyed more than 60% possession.
That ensured Burnley were unable to gain any sort of foothold in the game and by the time Georginio Rutter scored only his second goal of the campaign, the hosts had already created several half chances.
Kaoru Mitoma was excellent on the left, while Charalampos Kostoulasdelivered a promising performance and was unfortunate to set off on a first-half run just a fraction too early as he found the back of the net only to be flagged offside.
The flow of the second period also allowed Pascal Gross to be eased back into action and receive a hero's welcome, having not even trained with his team-mates since his return to a club where the German spent seven seasons before leaving in 2024.
And the feel-good feeling around the stadium continued when James Milner - 40 on Sunday - moved just four appearances shy of Gareth Barry's all-time Premier League record of 653 as he entered the fray with just over 10 minutes remaining.
Brighton 2-0 Burnley: What Hurzeler and Gross saidpublished at 17:31 GMT 3 January
17:31 GMT 3 January
Media caption,
Fabian Hurzeler spoke to Sky Sports after Brighton's victory against Burnley: "We played a good game. It was not a great game but a good performance. We scored goals, kept a clean sheet, worked quire well against the ball, and made some more chances, so overall we are pleased with the performance today. We all know that there are still things we can improve so we have to keep on pushing."
On the reception for Gross: "We realised that the fans love him. I was happy for him because that mans that he proved some great things in the past. Now we have to focus on the present and keep pushing everyone."
On Minteh's fitness: "I wouldn't say a setback but w was just not 100% fit. We had to make a decision there so unfortunately he was not able to play.
On January deals: "[Gross] was the first part but I don't know if some other parts will follow. The January window in general is very complicated. I always emphasise that in my exchanges with Tony [Bloom] Mike and Paul and we will make the right decisions. If the player, the position and the character is the right one then we might do something, but overall I emphasise that we are happy with the players that we have."
Pascal Gross spoke to Sky Sports after his second debut for the club: "The last two days have been incredibly emotional for me. I haven't trained yet with the squad.!
Did you know?
James Milner's appearance means that he has now played a Premier League game in each of the last 25 calendar years since 2002, the longest such run. Only two other players have played in more than 20 separate years in the competition (Ryan Giggs – 24, Gareth Barry – 21).
Scott Parker has made three changes to the starting XI that lost 3-1 to Newcastle last time out – Bashir Humphreys, Jacob Bruun Larsen and Jaidon Anthony come in today. Maxime Estève is injured, Loum Tchaouna and Marcus Edwards drop out.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Burnley" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Arsenal", for instance.
Image source, Getty Images
