Yasin Ayari strike lifts Brighton to victory over Manchester City

Brighton beat Manchester City 1-0 at Etihad Stadium on Saturday to inflict a second successive Premier League defeat on the champions and leave the title race finely balanced after nine rounds.

The only goal came in the 11th minute, when Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari, who has Tunisian heritage, found the net for the visitors.

Manchester City were unable to break through Brighton’s defence during the remainder of the match, despite playing at home in front of their supporters.

The result also gave Brighton revenge for their midweek elimination from the English League Cup. Manchester City had knocked them out on Wednesday after winning 4-3 on penalties.

Manchester City remain top of the Premier League with 21 points, but Arsenal can move above them on goal difference if they beat Liverpool on Sunday. Arsenal have the same number of points as Manchester City going into that fixture.

Brighton’s victory takes them to 19 points, leaving them third in the Premier League table.

The defeat means Manchester City have now lost their past two league matches, while Brighton continue their strong challenge near the top of the standings.