Guardiola Admits City ‘Forgot to Play’ After Shock Defeat to Brighton

Published: 01 September 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Manchester City’s early-season struggles deepened on Sunday night as Pep Guardiola’s side slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Brighton, marking their second loss in just three league fixtures. It is the first time in 21 years that the reigning champions have endured such a start, raising serious questions about their rhythm and consistency in the opening phase of the campaign.

The evening had begun in familiar fashion, with Erling Haaland putting City ahead and the visitors appearing firmly in control. But the complexion of the game changed dramatically when Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler made a bold quadruple substitution after the hour mark. The tactical gamble paid off within minutes, as veteran midfielder James Milner converted a penalty to level the contest.

From there, Guardiola’s team seemed to unravel. “We played brilliantly the first hour but conceded a goal and then forgot to continue playing,” admitted the City manager. “We decided to play long but we were not good enough. Sometimes the momentum changes the shapes. I used to be a player. I understand this.”

The Spaniard acknowledged that despite some positive signs compared to last season, the inability to maintain focus has become a troubling pattern. “Last season we lost to Spurs and Brighton, and this season it happened again. It’s difficult at the start of the season, but we have to find a way to win games.” Guardiola also confirmed a setback in his squad, revealing that summer signing Rayan Cherki faces up to two months on the sidelines with a thigh injury.

As fatigue crept into City’s ranks, Brighton pressed on and found their reward in the 89th minute when Brajan Gruda struck decisively. Guardiola lamented the absence of Abdukodir Khusanov, who had left the field injured just minutes earlier. “At that moment, we were tired,” he reflected. “If Khusanov had stayed on, his pace might have covered the gap that undid us.”

City midfielder Rodri, starting a league match for the first time in nearly a year, did not mince words in his assessment of the performance. “We are missing the level,” he said. “It is a matter of the team and the changes, new players have to adapt and, of course, when you change the team that much it is difficult. But some of the mistakes we are making are kids’ mistakes, not concentrating and paying attention. The reality is that we have to raise the level if we want to compete.”

For Brighton, the victory was as much about belief as it was about tactical adjustments. Hürzeler explained his instinctive decision-making: “In some moments my body says something to me. Not just in football but generally in life you need to have the courage to take the decisions you want to if you feel they are the right thing to do. But with four subs you don’t change the game. You need 11 players who are changed by the subs, by their energy and belief.”

He reserved special praise for James Milner, whose composure from the spot shifted the momentum. “He always has the belief no matter against whom you are playing,” Hürzeler said of the 39-year-old. “If you have these believers in your crew, it’s like a positive virus that transports this to your teammates and the crowd. One has the spark and the spark becomes like a fire.”

The result leaves Manchester City facing early pressure in their title defence, while Brighton’s daring display will be remembered as a defining moment of Hürzeler’s tenure. With the Premier League season still young, the champions now find themselves at a crossroads, needing to rediscover the authority and concentration that once made them untouchable.