Man City vs Brighton LIVE: TV Channel, Kick-Off Time, Predicted Line-ups & Odds for Today’s Premier League Showdown

Manchester City were forced to settle for a third successive Premier League draw after Kaoru Mitoma’s thunderous second-half strike cancelled out Erling Haaland’s landmark penalty in a pulsating 1-1 clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium on 7 January 2026. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated early possession but struggled to break down Fabian Hürzeler’s well-organised visitors until VAR intervened five minutes before half-time. Diego Gómez clipped the lively Jeremy Doku in the box, and Haaland rifled home the resulting spot-kick for his 150th City goal—a feat achieved in a record 173 appearances that further burnishes the Norwegian’s status as the Premier League’s most prolific finisher. Brighton refused to capitulate. With City unable to find a killer second, the Seagulls capitalised on a rare counter: Ferdi Kadıoğlu slid the ball into Mitoma, who cut inside from the left and bent an unstoppable 25-yard effort beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma on the hour. The Japan international almost repeated the trick minutes later, rattling the woodwork as Etihad nerves jangled. Guardiola rang the changes—introducing Rayan Cherki, Oscar Bobb O’Reilly and Rico Lewis—but Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke produced a series of heroic blocks, while keeper Bart Verbruggen thwarted Haaland twice in the dying moments. City finished with 22 shots to Brighton’s 10 yet could not convert superiority into maximum points. The draw leaves Manchester City five points adrift of leaders Arsenal ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Liverpool, heightening pressure before next week’s daunting visit to Tottenham. Brighton climb to 11th, taking confidence from claiming away points at both Manchester clubs since Boxing Day. Key talking points • Haaland hits 150: The striker’s ice-cool spot-kick not only ended his three-game drought but also made him the fastest player to reach 150 goals for a single English club in all competitions. • Mitoma magic: The winger’s equaliser was his fourth league goal against top-four opponents this season and underlines why Spurs and Bayern are reportedly monitoring his situation. • Squad depth tested: Injuries to Ruben Dias and Joško Gvardiol forced 20-year-old Max Alleyne into a Premier League debut at right-back; City’s defensive frailties re-emerged in the closing stages. • Milner milestone: Former City stalwart James Milner came on to register his 650th Premier League appearance, moving within three of Gareth Barry’s all-time record. What it means for the title race City’s profligacy has now cost them six points in three games—versus Chelsea, Newcastle and Brighton—turning a previously commanding title defence into a genuine chase. With Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool all hitting form, Guardiola needs immediate solutions, particularly with the Champions League knockout phase looming. Up next • Manchester City: Tottenham (A) – 11 Jan • Brighton: Aston Villa (H) – 12 Jan Fans’ verdict Supporters on social media praised Brighton’s fearless approach and questioned City’s decision-making in wide areas, with many calling for summer recruit Pedro Neto to be given a starting berth on the right flank. SEO takeaway Readers searching for “Man City vs Brighton score,” “Haaland 150th goal,” “Mitoma equaliser,” or “Manchester City Premier League draw Brighton” will find the latest result, analysis and upcoming fixtures here—ensuring comprehensive coverage of a fixture that continues to produce drama and shake up the 2025-26 title picture.