Manchester City lose points again: Is the title race over?

January 8, 2026 Oliver Obel

Manchester City’s pursuit of another Premier League title lost further momentum on Wednesday as Brighton left the Etihad Stadium with a 1-1 draw, extending the champions’ winless run in the league to three matches.

City dominated possession and territory for long spells but once again struggled to translate control into goals — a theme that has increasingly defined their recent performances.

Guardiola’s side penned Brighton deep from the outset, circulating the ball almost exclusively in the visitors’ half. GOAL.com reported that Jeremy Doku was City’s most effective outlet early on, repeatedly attacking defenders and forcing Brighton to retreat, even if the final pass or finish failed to arrive.

Erling Haaland’s involvement remained limited in open play, and City’s breakthrough came from the spot rather than sustained attacking combinations. After Doku drove into the area and was fouled by Diego Gomez, Haaland converted the resulting penalty to end a three-match scoring drought.

City had opportunities to build on the lead before the interval. The clearest fell to Bernardo Silva, whose failure to release Haaland through on goal allowed Brighton to remain within reach.

That opening proved costly

Brighton emerged with greater purpose after halftime and drew level through Kaoru Mitoma, who created space just outside the penalty area and curled a finish into the far corner. The goal shifted the rhythm of the contest and forced City into a more urgent, less controlled pursuit of a winner.

Sustained pressure followed, but precision did not. According to GOAL.com’s match report, substitute Rayan Cherki later provided Haaland with a clear chance inside the box, only for the striker’s effort to be directed straight at the goalkeeper.

The result leaves City with three consecutive league draws and further ground to make up on leaders Arsenal. For all their control and depth, Guardiola’s side again found that dominance alone was not enough.

Read also: Sesko saves Fletcher from defeat

Brighton, compact and disciplined throughout, departed Manchester with a point earned through organisation and patience rather than volume of chances.

Sources: GOAL.com