Manchester City

Christian Fuller
Watford fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

They say never fall in love with a loan player – and for Max Alleyne, that could not be more fitting.

While his time at Watford was short and sweet, the young centre-back had begun to make a real impact at Vicarage Road.

The 20-year-old made 16 league appearances for the Hornets across a spell which saw Javi Gracia's side lose just one of their past 13 matches.

While central defence is a position with more cover than most at Watford, his recall to Manchester City felt like a real blow.

As gutting as it is for Watford supporters to see Alleyne return to his parent club, the feeling was somewhat quelled watching him slot into City's starting XI right away.

And having impressed on his Premier League debut on Wednesday, there is no doubt in my mind Alleyne will one day find himself playing for England.

Already an international at various youth levels up to under-21s, the defender looked comfortable with the ball at his feet and passing it around the backline, often breaking lines or firing it into Erling Haaland.

It is fair to say he began the match looking nervous and was not flawless, but the biggest compliment you can give Alleyne is that you would not have known it was his Premier League debut.

To do that at the age of 20 is impressive in any position, but doing so in the heart of defence has meant Alleyne caught the eyes of many - all while not even being available as an option on the Premier League's own Fantasy Football game.

And somewhat fittingly, he did it lined up alongside fellow former Watford loanee Nathan Ake.

How many more matches he will feature in this season is yet to be determined. And who knows, perhaps once Manchester City's injury crisis is resolved, we may see Alleyne back at Vicarage Road for the remainder of the season.

But one thing that is for certain - remember the name, Max Alleyne.

Image source, Getty Images

A host of defensive injuries meant Max Alleyne was thrust into a Premier League debut for Manchester City on Wednesday, following a successful loan spell during the first half of the campaign at Championship club Watford.

He made 16 league appearances for the Hornets, 14 of them starts, and played 1,266 minutes of second-tier action.

Of the 14 matches he started, Watford won six, drew six and lost just two.

He was also part of a side that kept three clean sheets during a run of four straight league victories, before City recalled him from his loan at Vicarage Road.

With Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones all on the sidelines, Alleyne may be granted a lot more action in the heart of City's defence as they try to sustain their challenge on four fronts this season.

Emily Brobyn
Fan writer

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The full-time whistle blew at the Etihad Stadium and an eerie silence lingered in the air. A few grumbles of disapproval were audible from the fans exiting, shaking their heads at the 1-1 draw against Brighton.

On the surface, the Blues look to be in a commanding position this season. City are currently 11 games unbeaten in all competitions and are still in all four competitions too.

Take a closer look and their season has the potential to unravel at the seams. With Pep's go-to centre-back partnership Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol missing for at least the next six weeks, this is a formidable test of the side's resolve – and the squad's quality in depth.

But the defence wasn't the problem on Wednesday. Fingers point towards the quality in the final third, the decision-making. Players getting into the right positions and making the wrong choices. Heads being scratched at the slow, laboured build-up play. A serious lack of grit, energy and intensity.

Since the departure of Ederson, Gianluigi Donnarumma has proved to be an excellent shot-stopper.

But he lacks the distribution that the Brazilian possessed, an attribute that could speed up the attack and have a real influence on City breaking forward at lightning speed. Is the side lacking an identity of late?

You'd be foolish to write City off just yet, but it's advantage Arsenal at the moment.

We've seen so many flashes of genius from Pep over the years, coupled with moments where he's been questioned.

However, can he answer all the questions being asked of him and turn the draws into wins – before City's season spirals away from them?

Emily Brobyn is regularly on BBC Radio Manchester - find all their Man City audio here

Image source, PA Media

Ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast that his former club should go all out to sign Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi this month:

"I would pay the money for him. He's a brilliant centre-half. Someone of his quality, experience and leadership - all the things you would want in a centre-half - it would be a no-brainer.

"All the top clubs are looking at him but if Manchester City can get the deal over the line, I think it would be very tempting to get him in."

Former Scotland captain Rachel Corsie added:

"At the start of the season, they recruited and it hasn't really been that convincing.

"They've tried to adapt and play in a way that leaves them a little more exposed, and they have conceded a couple more goals as a result of that. But they've got to go and get someone who can be commanding."

Listen to the full Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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In 2024-25, Manchester City failed to win a major trophy for the first time in eight years, which Pep Guardiola put down to a lengthy injury list.

In addition to their defensive absentees, wingers Oscar Bobb and Savinho will be sidelined for a period of time while midfielder Mateo Kovacic is out long term.

The arrival of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for £65m is imminent, with the Ghana forward scoring the winner against Tottenham on Wednesday and Cherries manager Andoni Iraola confirming a deal is effectively done.

City have also stepped up efforts to sign defender Marc Guehi, though Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has said he will only sell his captain if the asking price is met.

Despite a lengthening casualty list, Guardiola has said the current situation is not the same as last season. Asked to clarify, he replied: "It's quite obvious.

"The way we played, and the energy we have. The energy and the way we play we create chances and expected goals... we just didn't put the ball in the net.

"We create incredible things with the way we defend and the game is in the boxes. We are concerned with the defence because we don't have players. The way we approach it is fantastic but unfortunately we don't score goals - that is my analysis of the past three games."

City host Exeter in the FA Cup on Saturday - that will provide a chance to put things right.

Or it could be an opportunity for the League One side to inflict a damaging defeat and send City's season spiralling.

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Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku said his side's third successive league draw was "frustrating", as it gives Arsenal the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points if they beat Liverpool tonight (20:00 GMT).

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after City's 1-1 draw against Brighton, Doku said: "Disappointed. We wanted to win this game. We had the chances to win this game.

"With one goal it is difficult to score because they defended a bit more. I think we had clear chances that we needed to score to be more comfortable.

"A physical game, but we were up for the battle. That wasn't the problem.

"We have missed some chances, then we put ourselves in trouble, it is just us. It is a bit frustrating because we know we could have been better in the last three games, in terms of scoring goals."

Although the Gunners can move further clear of City tonight, Doku said: "We don't really care - we just look at ourselves."

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We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Brighton.

Here are some of your comments:

Man City fans

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.

Manchester City defender John Stones is in the final year of his contract at the club and manager Pep Guardiola has cast doubt over the 31-year-old England defender's future at the club. (The Times), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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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.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola spoke to Sky Sports after his side's draw to Brighton: "The way we played I'm so, so pleased. We miss a lot [of chances]. Scoring goals - you have to do it, but we didn't do it."

"We didn't score. That's all. Sometimes we score, sometimes not. We have to continue to try to do it."

On Max Alleyne's performance: "The problem is not defensively. We have more absences [in defence], but the problem is not defensively."

On whether his side need to remain calm: "The players do it perfectly. I love the way we play. We play top, but we don't score."

On Man City's title challenge: "We have three games we didn't win. It's more difficult [to win the league now]. We will continue."

On the expected transfer of Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo: "No idea."

On the heated touchline discussion with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler: "Everything [is] OK."

Hear more from Guardiola and Jeremy Doku on BBC Sounds

Did you know?

• Erling Haaland's first-half penalty was his 150th Manchester City goal in all competitions in his 173rd appearance – that's 28 games faster than any other player has reached 150 goals in all competitions for Premier League clubs since 1992-93 (Alan Shearer, 201).

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter at Etihad Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

In the space of a week, Manchester City's quest to regain a Premier League trophy that they have lifted six times in the past eight seasons has fallen away badly because of three successive draws.

They failed to score at Sunderland, conceded a late goal against Chelsea on Sunday and were unable to hold on to their lead against Brighton on Wednesday.

The two-point deficit they faced on 1 January will reach eight if Mikel Arteta's men win their crucial meeting against Liverpool on Thursday.

Injuries to Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones left Pep Guardiola to cobble together a makeshift backline, handing a debut to 20-year-old academy product Max Alleyne after recalling him from on loan at Watford, and partnering him with 21-year-old Uzbek Abdukodir Khusanov.

The flat atmosphere from the crowd appeared to seep on to the pitch, with the players unable to find any real rhythm, as City failed to hold on to an advantage for a second successive home game.

This was only the third time in Guardiola's illustrious managerial career that he has drawn three straight games, but they did come close to snatching the win as they pushed on in the second half.

Erling Haaland, who had notched his landmark goal in the opening period, flicked a header which was cleared off the line and then saw a low effort kept out by Bart Verbruggen before firing into the side netting.

City, who faced a few jeers at the end, look far from the side who ended 2025 with eight straight wins - and Guardiola has work to do to galvanise his depleted squad.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Man City's performance

What did you make of Brighton's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

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.

There are eight games in the Premier League on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Bournemouth v Tottenham

• Brentford v Sunderland

• Crystal Palace v Aston Villa

• Everton v Wolves

• Fulham v Chelsea

• Manchester City v Brighton

• Burnley v Manchester United (20:15)

• Newcastle v Leeds (20:15)

Kick-off times 19:30 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

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.

This is another tricky game for Manchester City after they dropped points against Sunderland and Chelsea.

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.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here