Manchester City will enter today’s Premier League match with Brighton off the back of three consecutive defeats. Losses to Tottenham, Bournemouth and Sporting CP have taken some of the early gloss off City’s start to the season. The loss to Sporting was particularly chastening as all of City’s weaknesses were laid bare. But during the Sporting game, Erling Haaland put in one of his worst displays for the season. But if he can fire today at the Amex Stadium his team will follow him. That’s the challenge for City’s number 9 today.

It has to be said that Erling Haaland had his chances against Sporting CP in midweek. The same can be said during City’s defeat to Bournemouth last weekend. But he was unusually wasteful in front of goal in Portugal and at the Vitality Stadium. That is the life of a striker at times, even one as good as Haaland. But the mark of a champion is how they respond to adversity. That is Haaland’s challenge today against Fabian Hurzeler’s side.

Typically teams defend deep against Manchester City to stifle Haaland. That has had a measure of success in containing City’s number 9 since his blistering start to the season. But Brighton is a possession-based team, and they will likely attack Pep Guardiola’s side. If that occurs it may give Haaland the ideal platform to return to his best. If he does his team will follow him. Erling Haaland is one of Manchester City’s leaders, and when he is firing, his team lifts with him. So the challenge is there for Haaland to respond after his poor display in midweek.

Perhaps the return of Kevin De Bruyne may help Erling Haaland’s cause. The Manchester City legend is on his way back from a groin injury. But if De Bruyne doesn’t start today, Haaland must return to his best alongside whoever is on the pitch with him. It’s too simple to say when De Bruyne returns so will the goals for Haaland. A player of Haaland’s standing should be dominating games irrespective of who’s on the team sheet. That is his challenge today against Brighton.

Manchester City need their star striker to return to his best today. If Erling Haaland fires it may well see City end their three game losing slide. That is the challenge for Haaland. It is also one he has risen too many times in his City career. If he can again today it may well set Pep Guardiola’s side on their way to a crucial three points at the Amex Stadium.

Erling Haaland Fumes After Man City Collapses vs. Brighton

Haaland, known for his lethal finishing, was unable to convert numerous chances against Brighton, a situation he described as “unacceptable”. His frustration was evident throughout the match, culminating in a visibly angry response after the final whistle.

“I’m not happy. We need to be better. We need to be more clinical. I had my chances today, and I didn’t take them,” Haaland said after the match. “It’s a difficult time for us, but we need to stick together and come back stronger.”

Hürzeler bests Guardiola in huge Brighton win

While Haaland struggled to find his scoring touch, Brighton’s João Pedro was in inspired form, bagging two goals to lead his team to a stunning 2-1 victory over Man City. His performance was a stark reminder of Brighton’s strength and determination, even when facing a team of Manchester City’s caliber. The win marked Brighton’s second victory over City in their last three meetings, adding to the growing sense that the Seagulls are becoming a formidable force in the Premier League.

Brighton’s win was a testament to their resilience and their ability to adapt to different opponents. Pedro’s goals were a result of his composure and clinical finishing, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level. It was a performance that showcased the Seagulls’ quality and potential to challenge the established order in the Premier League.

Man City’s defeat was their fourth consecutive loss in all competitions, a concerning run that will undoubtedly put pressure on Pep Guardiola. The team’s inability to capitalize on their chances, coupled with Haaland’s struggles in front of goal, has exposed their vulnerability. The question now is whether Guardiola can quickly address these issues and restore his side’s winning ways.

The defeat against Brighton was a stark reminder that the Premier League is a competitive league, and no team can afford to take their opponents lightly. Man City, despite their star-studded squad, have struggled to maintain their dominance, and this defeat will serve as a wake-up call. As for Brighton, they have proven themselves capable of competing with the best, and their performance against City was a testament to their growing confidence and ambition. The Seagulls are a team to watch in the coming weeks and months, and they have shown that they have the potential to be a real force in the Premier League this season.

While City may still be early in the season, a fourth straight loss is a significant blow to their title aspirations. As they look to rebound from their recent slump, Guardiola will be looking to his star players, including Haaland, to step up and deliver their best performances. The coming weeks will be crucial for Man City as they strive to regain their momentum and reclaim their place among the top contenders in the Premier League.