Erling Haaland’s penalty put them on course for a return to winning ways after draws against Sunderland and Chelsea but Kaoru Mitoma’s first goal since September brought more frustration.

The result at the Etihad Stadium means Premier League leaders Arsenal will have a chance to move eight points clear when they host champions Liverpool on Thursday.

Haaland and Rayan Cherki both spurned good opportunities to win the game late on.

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It has been a tough start to 2026 for City with central defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias also suffering significant injuries.

With John Stones on the sidelines too, City were forced to field an unfamiliar pair at the back in 21-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov and debutant Max Alleyne.

Alleyne, the 20-year-old son of former England cricketer Mark, was hurriedly recalled from his loan spell at Watford this week.

Perhaps sensing a weakness in City’s backline, Brighton started positively and the recently re-signed Pascal Gross had a header saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma before Ferdi Kadioglu was also denied by the keeper.

City were largely limited to half-chances in a quiet opening with Bernardo Silva firing tamely at Bart Verbruggen and Haaland planting a header wide.

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The hosts had a scare when Georginio Rutter broke through on goal but Khusanov raced back to block his shot.

A subdued atmosphere changed dramatically shortly before half-time as Jeremy Doku went down in the box after a challenge Diego Gomez.

City’s bench reacted furiously as referee Thomas Bramall signalled play on with substitute Rodri at the forefront of complaints. Manager Pep Guardiola was booked for his reaction and arguing with opposite number Fabian Hurzeler.

Yet their protestations were not in vain as Bramall was called to the pitchside monitor to review his decision and a spot-kick was eventually awarded.

Haaland made no mistake as he drilled his shot into the bottom corner and Tijjani Reijnders had an effort cleared off the line soon after.

Silva also went close after the restart as he seized on a wayward pass by Yasin Ayari but his shot hit the outside of the post.

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City were to rue those misses as Mitoma, making only his second start since a two-month injury lay-off in the autumn, buried a low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

It could have immediately got worse for City as Mitoma broke into the box and presented Diego Gomez with a gilt-edged chance in front of goal.

Remarkably he miskicked and the ball squirmed off Donnarumma, Mitoma and the post to safety.

City threatened again from a corner but Haaland’s header was cleared off the line by Kadioglu and the Norwegian was guilty of a glaring miss soon after.

This time Cherki pounced on a careless Brighton pass to supply the striker but he shot straight at Verbruggen.

Substitute Cherki also could have done better when he shot over as time ran out.