Omar Marmoush wows but Nico Gonzalez awful – Man City player ratings v Brighton
Pep Guardiola will be disappointed once again as Man City dropped two points in a 2-2 draw against Brighton on Saturday.
The Citizens raced into the lead, taking advantage after Brighton and Kaoru Mitoma saw a goal ruled out for a foul, with Erling Haaland netting a penalty after Omar Marmoush was brought down in the box.
Pervis Estupinan fired home a pin-point free-kick 10 minutes later, silencing the home crowd at the Etihad Stadium on 15 March, only for Marmoush to get the party started again with a long-range rocket.
Simon Hooper was happy to hand out yellow cards, with Joao Pedro, Savinho, Mitoma, Carlos Baleba, Jeremy Doku, Mats Wieffer and Bart Verbruggen all going into the book, adding to an exciting clash in Manchester.
Abdukodir Khusanov was on the wrong end of a key moment, however, as he turned the ball past his own goalkeeper, which was the last goal scored as the points were shared between the two sides.
Man City defence torn apart by goal-hungry Seagulls
Stefan Ortega – 4
While Ederson is under pressure from Man City fans, the German was unable to step into his boots and struggled to keep out a strike from Estupinian and a Khusanov own goal.
Rico Lewis – 5
A quiet display from the youngster, who usually loves coming into midfield and pushing the team forward. Was held back in defence by Mitoma.
Abdukodir Khusanov – 4
Remained strong in the tackle, winning most of his duels, but having scored an own goal to allow Brighton an equaliser, it was difficult to give the new man any higher.
Ruben Dias – 5
Not much better than his centre-back partner, with defensive mix-ups causing issues for the Citizens throughout the clash with the Seagulls.
Josko Gvardiol – 6
Probably the best defensive display out of him and his struggling teammates, winning the majority of his duels on the ground and in the air. Not his usual attacking self, however, with Yankuba Minteh pushing him back.
| Man City | Brighton |
| 60% possession | 40% possession |
| 1.77xG | 2.17xG |
| 11 shots | 15 shots |
| 3 big chances missed | 6 big chances missed |
| 3 corners | 5 corners |
Nico Gonzalez struggles to fill Rodri’s boots
Nico Gonzalez – 2
A tough day for Gonzalez, who is supposed to be filling Rodri’s shoes. Gave away too many fouls, lost too many battles in the middle of the park, and was overshadowed by the Seagulls.
Ilkay Gundogan – 7
Grabbed the assist for Marmoush’s smashing goal, creating multiple chances for Guardiola’s side and putting in one of his best shifts since returning to Man City last summer.
Sanvinho (Off for Bernardo Silva 58′) – 3
Offered little in the final third, picking up a yellow card in the first 15 minutes, putting himself on a dangerous tightrope with the majority of the game left to play. Foolish.
Omar Marmoush stuns with ferocious first-half strike
Omar Marmoush – 8 – Man of the Match
Won the penalty to start proceedings at the Etihad before firing home a long-range effort of his own, leaving Verbruggen rooted to the floor with his stellar strike.
Jeremy Doku – 7
Like his teammate on the opposite wing, Doku picked up a caution, though this was slightly more controversial after being accused of simulation. Caused a lot of problems down the left flank but couldn’t find the final pass.
Erling Haaland – 5
Smashed home his spot-kick with ease, stepping up when it mattered most, but was unable to make a telling impact while the ball was in play for much of the game.
Substitutes
Bernardo Silva (On for Savinho 58′), (Off for Foden 76′) – N/A
He lasted just 18 minutes before having to be replaced himself.
Phil Foden (On for Silva 76′) – 7
Brought some much-needed energy onto the pitch, asking important questions in the final third.
Kevin De Bruyne (On for Marmoush 86′) – N/A