Brighton Stun Man City as Ayari Seals Shock Etihad Win

 Yasin Ayari’s early strike gives Brighton a 1-0 victory over Pep Guardiola’s side, despite City’s dominance in possession and shots

Brighton secured a memorable 1-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with Yasin Ayari’s first-half strike handing the visitors all three points in their Premier League encounter.

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Ayari scored the decisive goal in the 11th minute, finishing from inside the penalty area after Maxim De Cuyper set him up following a set-piece situation.

The victory offered Brighton a measure of revenge after their Carabao Cup elimination by the same opponents just three days earlier. City had progressed on penalties following a 2-2 draw, winning the shootout 4-3.

Despite their midweek success, Pep Guardiola’s side struggled to turn their dominance into goals against Fabian Hürzeler’s determined team.

City controlled 62 per cent of possession and registered 21 shots, compared with Brighton’s seven, but failed to break down the visitors’ defence.

Brighton remained organised after taking the early lead, resisting sustained pressure to protect their advantage until the final whistle.

Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen played a crucial role in the result and was named Player of the Match for his performance as Brighton claimed an important away victory.

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The defeat represents a setback for Manchester City, who entered the fixture at the top of the Premier League table, while Brighton began the weekend in third place.