Jamie Redknapp did not hold back in his assessment of Manchester City’s latest performance, labeling it “one of the worst halves of football I’ve seen from a Pep Guardiola side” following their defeat to Brighton. The shock result marks City’s fourth consecutive loss across all competitions—a first since their struggles under Stuart Pearce in 2006. With their recent heavy defeat to Sporting in the Champions League still fresh, City find themselves facing an unexpected crisis.
Erling Haaland had given the reigning Premier League champions a strong start, finding the back of the net in the first half after a brilliant assist from Mateo Kovacic. The Norwegian striker’s clinical finish seemed to put City in control, dominating a Brighton side that appeared passive and disjointed. Guardiola’s men were in command during the opening 45 minutes, controlling possession, creating opportunities, and threatening to run away with the match. Redknapp himself noted on *Sky Sports* that City “should’ve been 3-0 up” by halftime, as the team looked sharp and efficient.
However, the second half told a dramatically different story. Brighton emerged with renewed energy, intensity, and tactical sharpness. In an unprecedented turn of events, they created eight big chances—a record for any team facing Guardiola’s City in the Premier League. The shift in momentum was palpable, and Brighton more than earned their comeback victory. Joao Pedro capitalized on some dreadful defending by City to equalize, and just minutes later, substitute Matt O’Riley, making his Premier League debut, scored the winner with a composed finish. For Brighton, the victory catapulted them into the top four, while City were left to ponder their sudden decline.
Redknapp’s post-match analysis laid bare City’s frailties, focusing particularly on their woeful second-half display. “Four bad results,” he remarked. “I thought second half, and I’ve watched a lot of Manchester City, I’ve admired [Guardiola] for so long, but that’s one of the worst halves of football I’ve seen from a Pep Guardiola side.” His criticism was scathing but reflective of the team’s visible drop-off after the interval. “They were abject,” he continued. “They didn’t defend, they didn’t win individual battles, they didn’t pass the ball forwards.” According to Redknapp, the drastic change in performance was a result of tactical and mental lapses compounded by ineffective substitutions from Guardiola.
In particular, City’s defensive struggles stood out. “The two centre backs are not a regular partnership, and you could see it—they looked like a bunch of strangers,” Redknapp observed. The lack of cohesion in the backline was evident, with City looking vulnerable to every Brighton attack. Guardiola’s usual high standards of organization and control were conspicuously absent, leaving City exposed and scrambling to recover. The absence of key defensive leaders exacerbated the problem, as City’s backline failed to communicate and cover spaces effectively.
As the game slipped away, Redknapp highlighted City’s lack of character and leadership on the pitch. “When the game starts to run away from you, you’re looking at characters. Who is going to dig in? Who is going to get on the ball when you need him most? There was nobody to do it,” he lamented. City’s inability to respond to Brighton’s surge was a striking departure from their usual resilience and composure. The lack of a focal point to steady the team and regain control was a glaring weakness, and it ultimately sealed their fate.
For Brighton, this victory was a testament to their grit and quality under Roberto De Zerbi. The Seagulls showcased a blend of tactical discipline and fearless attacking football that has characterized their ascent in recent years. De Zerbi’s substitutions proved decisive, with Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley changing the game upon their introduction. Brighton’s win not only lifted them into the top four but also showcased their ability to compete with the league’s elite on their day.
City’s loss opened the door for Liverpool, who were set to play Aston Villa later in the day, to extend their lead at the top of the table. Guardiola’s side, meanwhile, are left to regroup and address their alarming dip in form. With a grueling schedule ahead and mounting pressure from their rivals, City must rediscover their focus and resilience if they are to regain their footing in the title race.
The defeat raises several pressing questions for Guardiola and his staff. How can they restore defensive solidity? Can their midfield regain control and dictate matches as they have in the past? And perhaps most crucially, who will step up as a leader on the pitch when times get tough? While City’s talent and depth are undeniable, their recent performances suggest that tactical adjustments and renewed determination will be necessary to turn their season around.
For now, City’s supporters can only hope that this loss serves as a wake-up call, prompting the necessary changes to halt their slide. The season is long, and there remains ample time for Guardiola’s men to rediscover their form. But with every setback, the path becomes steeper—and the need for answers grows more urgent.