Relive the excitement as Gruda’s late goal secures Brighton’s comeback victory over City. Dive into the match analysis and standout performances from the game.
Introduction:
Brighton & Hove Albion produced one of the early surprises of the 2025/26 Premier League season, coming from behind to defeat Manchester City 2-1 at the Amex Stadium thanks to a dramatic late winner from Brajan Gruda.
High Stakes at the Amex
Coming into the match, all eyes were on Manchester City as they aimed to recover from a disappointing defeat at home to Tottenham. Pep Guardiola’s side, packed with talent and experience, were expected to get their campaign back on track. Brighton, under Fabian Hürzeler, were still searching for their first win of the season, looking to signal intent against last year’s champions. See also: Southampton Frustrate Manchester City in 0-0 Draw
Haaland’s Milestone and Early Dominance
City began with authority, controlling possession and dictating play in midfield. Erling Haaland was the focal point in attack on his 100th Premier League appearance, a milestone that seemed destined to be marked with another goal. Within 25 minutes, Haaland registered three chances—first firing weakly at Bart Verbruggen, the Brighton goalkeeper; then dragging a shot wide; and finally seeing a close-range header saved.
Brighton’s only early threat came from Kaoru Mitoma, whose pace and directness forced a good stop from City’s keeper James Trafford. However, it was City who broke the deadlock in the 34th minute. After a move started by Oscar Bobb and Omar Marmoush, the ball broke for Haaland, who lifted a clinical finish over Verbruggen to score his 88th Premier League goal.
City in Control
The visitors kept control for the rest of the half and into the second. Rodri, back for his first league start in nearly a year, marshalled midfield and ensured Brighton’s attacks fizzled out. City’s pressing forced Brighton to play long, and any attacking intent from the hosts evaporated under City’s calm, methodical buildup.
Quadruple Substitution: Brighton’s Turning Point
With an hour played, Hürzeler rolled the dice, making four substitutes at once: Milner, Gruda, and two other fresh faces. It was a move that instantly shifted the match’s rhythm. Brighton began to apply more pressure, and in the 67th minute, seized their moment: a powerful volley from Lewis Dunk struck the raised arm of Matheus Nunes inside the area, resulting in a penalty. James Milner, facing his old club and now the second-oldest Premier League scorer, dispatched the spot kick into the bottom left corner, leveling the score and igniting the home crowd.
The Final Stages: Drama and Resolve
Bolstered by the equalizer, Brighton pressed forward. City, rattled by the sudden shift, could have retaken the lead if not for a phenomenal Trafford save from Jan Paul van Hecke’s header. Yet City’s usually impenetrable resolve started to crack; their passing became rushed, and Brighton’s substitutes, particularly Minteh and Mitoma, began to exploit space behind the fullbacks.
Gruda’s Magical Moment
As the 89th minute approached, the Amex buzzed with anticipation. Mitoma burst down the flank, slipped a clever ball behind the line, and Brajan Gruda, barely on the pitch half an hour, timed his run perfectly. With remarkable composure, Gruda beat Rayan Ait-Nouri and rounded Trafford, rolling the ball into the net and sending the home crowd into wild celebration.
The winner capped an extraordinary turnaround for Brighton and a nightmare for Guardiola’s men, who now faced consecutive Premier League defeats—a rarity in the Guardiola era. The hosts held on through injury time, defending resolutely against City’s late surge and sealing a memorable victory.
Tactical Insights: Substitutes Shape the Game
This match highlighted just how much value substitutes can bring. Hürzeler’s quadruple change not only altered the flow of the match, but the newcomers drove Brighton’s aggression and energy. Milner’s cool head in winning and converting the penalty, and Gruda’s sharp movement and finishing instinct, proved decisive.
For City, Rodri’s return was a boost, and Haaland found the net again, but defensive lapses and a loss of midfield control after the equalizer proved costly. The away side’s inability to manage Brighton’s wave of attacks in the closing minutes showed uncharacteristic fragility.
Post-Match Reactions: Milner’s Milestone and Guardiola’s Regret
James Milner’s goal made him the second-oldest scorer in Premier League history. His experience and professionalism are continually cited by teammates and pundits. “You work hard, stay ready, and take your chances when they come—even at my age!†Milner said post-match, smiling as he basked in the applause from both sets of fans.
Guardiola, meanwhile, was frank in his assessment: “After the penalty, the momentum changed. For the first hour, we played well, but after Brighton’s goal, we lost our structure and forgot what made us strong. In this league, you can never switch off.â€
What This Means for Both Teams
For Brighton, the victory wasn’t just three points, but a spark for their season. The performance and result will breed belief, especially in young stars like Gruda. The whole squad, energized by the passionate home crowd, left the pitch to rapturous applause.
City’s back-to-back defeats push them into an unfamiliar mid-table position (12th), raising early questions about their ability to bounce back and retain their crown in a league where form can change in an instant. With only three points from three matches, Guardiola will undoubtedly demand a response in the upcoming fixtures.
Brighton’s Star: Brajan Gruda Emerges
The 21-year-old German midfielder has long been tipped for stardom, but this performance suggested a player ready to step into the limelight. Gruda’s blend of technical skill and composure was evident in his win, and fans will be excited to see if he can maintain this level in the weeks ahead. Hürzeler believes Gruda has the potential to be “a top player in the Premier League for years to come.â€
The Numbers: Milestones and Records
Haaland: 88 Premier League goals in 100 appearances, underlining his elite status even in defeat.
Milner: Oldest Brighton penalty scorer, second-oldest in the Premier League ever, a testament to his longevity and professionalism.
Gruda: Opened his Brighton goal account in style, with his finish the club’s first from open play this season.
Looking Forward: Next Challenges
Brighton’s win provides hope for a solid campaign under Hürzeler, especially with young talents proving their worth. The momentum gained by such a win could transform their season trajectory. Manchester City must quickly regroup, address defensive organization, and rekindle the attacking verve that set them apart in recent years.
Atmosphere and Fan Reaction
Supporters at the Amex witnessed one of the most thrilling late victories in their recent memory, celebrating long after the final whistle. Social media buzzed with praise for Milner’s longevity, Gruda’s arrival, and Mitoma’s assist. For City fans, frustration was clear, but belief in their squad remains firm.
Conclusion: A Statement Victory for Brighton
Brighton’s sensational comeback, symbolized by Gruda’s dramatic winner, represents everything great about the Premier League: unpredictability, youth emerging, veteran influence, and an environment where tactical risk can reap rich rewards. For Manchester City, the result is a setback—but, with the season young, an opportunity to demonstrate resilience.
