Man City player ratings vs Brighton as two struggle but Ederson blameless in latest defeat

Pep Guardiola lost four games in a row for the first time in his managerial career as Manchester City were beaten at Brighton.

City were depleted and without a number of key men again, but they went ahead when Mateo Kovacic intercepted an attack, skipped into midfield and slid a perfect ball into the path of Erling Haaland. Bart Verbruggen saved the initial attempt yet Haaland was first on the scene to smash the ball into the roof of the net on the line.

Ederson produced a fine save early in the second half to keep the Blues ahead and was out quickly to save from Kaoru Mitoma soon after. Brighton kept coming and Joao Pedro missed the target when well-placed - but he made amends with 12 minutes remaining as he dug out the ball in a scramble and fired the hosts level.

However well the Blues played, though, they let substitute Matt O'Riley through an open defence to seal a comeback win for Brighton and condemn City to a fourth defeat in a row for the first time in 18 years.

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This is how we rated the City players at the Amex Stadium:

Ederson

Just about composed with his feet and quick to come out and stop some dangerous attacks. One brilliant point-blank save in the second half and another brave stop to deny Mitoma. Helpless for the goals. 8

Rico Lewis

Moved over to the left, he looked good moving into midfield but was exposed at the back. Perhaps clumsy for the first goal and let O'Riley through for the second. 5

Kyle Walker

The most senior defender by some distance given he was 11 years older than the next-most experienced in the back four. Walker started well but was lucky when Joao Pedro got past him but fluffed his lines - to the anger of Guardiola. 5

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey

Trusted again, Simpson-Pusey looked calm on the ball, kept it simple and got stuck in against a physical Danny Welbeck. His best performance yet on his Premier League debut - looking more at home every time he plays. But another defeat. 6

Josko Gvardiol

A rare outing in the centre of defence. Gvardiol helped Simpson-Pusey out well but questions can be asked of his role in both Brighton goals - could he have done more or been in a better position? 5

Mateo Kovacic

Just as doubts were being raised over his suitability at number six, Kovacic was on course for his best performance in a long time. A fine assist capped a good first half. Once again, though, City leaked goals through the middle. 6

Ilkay Gundogan

Another player who turned up when City needed him. Gundogan has taken time to show his best since returning - this was a much better performance where he complemented Kovacic and helped build pressure in attack. Replaced when City were still ahead. 7

Phil Foden

Quiet in the first half as he held his position behind Haaland. Improved after the break, particularly when combining with Savinho on the counter. 6

Savinho

So close to scoring in the first half, and a constant threat on the right. Sent another effort wide in the second half, keeping his full-back pinned back all night. Unlucky to be substituted. 7

Matheus Nunes

He looks like he has been a left-winger all his career. Slowed the game down like Jack Grealish does, and drove into the box like Phil Foden or Jeremy Doku. He's stepped up at the perfect time in the last couple of weeks. Ended the game back in the middle. 6

Erling Haaland

After a few off-days in front of goal, Haaland was never going to miss when Kovacic played him through. He's the fastest player to score 75 Premier League goals, and his link-up play was much-improved too. 7

Subs

Bernardo Silva (on 71): Busy and energetic, moving over to the wing after coming on in the middle. 6

Kevin De Bruyne (on 73): Couldn't drag City back into the game. 6

Substitutes not used: Ortega, Ake, Akanji, O'Reilly, Wright, McAtee, Wilson-Esbrand