Premier League – 32nd day: Brighton and City leave in a draw (1-1), Foden and Enciso scorers

The shock kept its promises. The late game between Brighton and Manchester City promised a lot in terms of play and ideas. And the spectators got their money’s worth. In a high-intensity duel that ended in a draw (1-1), the English champion saw his series of consecutive league victories come to an end at twelve. For the Seagulls, a historic qualification in the Europa League is assured for next season.

Nobody knows yet if a statue of Roberto De Zerbi will one day sit in front of the Falmer Stadium, but one thing is certain: the Italian technician has already left his mark on the club. Sixth in the Premier League, the club from East Sussex will play in European competition for the first time in its history, and it is anything but a coincidence. The best proof? Its copy rendered against the Citizens. Kings of the Premier League for the third time in a row, Pep Guardiola’s men had to fight not to leave their trip with a defeat to take.

Enciso, a missile to calm City

In preparation for the two finals to come, City came with a very competitive XI with, among others, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. But against a team known for pressing their opponents high, the Mancunians conceded several chances. Danny Welbeck found the crossbar on a free kick (20th), then Kaoru Mitoma logically saw his goal being disallowed for a hand, before seeing the ball cross the line (32nd). For his part, Haaland did not find the frame on a header despite the good cross from Phil Foden (6th), but the Norwegian center-forward was altruistic to offer Foden the opener (25th, 0-1).

Authors of the opener against the run of play, the Skyblues continued to come under adverse pressure. Facundo Buonanotte stumbled on Stefan Ortega (36th), then Julio Enciso sent a guided missile into the skylight of the German goalkeeper to make the public exult (38th, 1-1). Thanks to this fantastic goal from the Paraguayan, Brighton arrived at the break with a parity score.

In the second half, the score did not move but the two teams continued to offer great collective actions. On the champion’s side, Ilkay Gundogan lacked precision (49th) and Haaland saw his goal disallowed (79th). On the other, Ortega won his duel ahead of Mitoma (64th) and Pervis Estupiñán missed the target by a few centimeters (76th). The only real downside for City: the possible injury of John Stones, who has become a taulier in Guardiola’s device in recent weeks. In the end, Brighton and Manchester City parted ways as good friends, and football came out stronger.