City ‘forgot to play’ against Brighton, says Guardiola as they lose two of first three games for the first time in 21 years.
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City ‘forgot to play’ in defeat at Brighton.
After his team lost 2-1 at Brighton after giving up a lead, Pep Guardiola claimed they “forgot to play.” Manchester City had lost two of their first three league games for the first time in twenty-one years, and it was their second loss of the season.
After an hour, Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler made four substitutions to tie the score after a penalty kick from James Milner seven minutes later. City had already grabbed the lead through Erling Haaland and appeared to be in control of the match.
“We played brilliantly the first hour but conceded a goal and then forgot to continue playing,” said Guardiola. “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.”
Before the collapse, Guardiola had seen positive signs. “I had the feeling we are more active compared to last season,” he said, “but 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.”
In the 89th minute, Brajan Gruda scored Brighton’s winning goal. “We were exhausted at the time.” Guardiola stated that Abdukodir Khusanov’s speed might have filled the space that caused City to lose if he hadn’t been substituted off four minutes earlier due to injury.
“We are missing the level,” said Rodri, after his first league start in almost a year. “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.”