Brighton gained quick revenge after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup in midweek, stunning Manchester City 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium to condemn Enzo Maresca’s side to back-to-back Premier League defeats.

Fabian Hurzeler’s men had twice taken the lead against City on Wednesday but were eventually edged out on penalties. However, they returned on Saturday to secure an impressive victory, moving within two points of City in third place.

Brighton scored the decisive goal just 11 minutes into the encounter, courtesy of a costly mistake by City’s right-back, Matheus Nunes.

Nunes’ miscued clearance fell perfectly for Yasin Ayari, who converted from close range to give the visitors an early lead.

City almost equalised 10 minutes later when Iliman Ndiaye rose to meet Elliot Anderson’s cross but directed his header narrowly wide of the post. The Senegalese forward later forced Bart Verbruggen into a save with a powerful effort at the near post.

Ndiaye remained City’s brightest attacking threat after the break, running clear before unleashing a powerful strike that Verbruggen brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar.

The Brighton goalkeeper continued to frustrate the hosts, producing another excellent save to deny Nunes, while Erling Haaland’s weak header presented little difficulty.

Haaland struggled to find opportunities throughout the encounter as City’s attacking play lacked its usual sharpness.

Brighton also threatened to extend their advantage, with Maxim De Cuyper blazing over from 10 yards before forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into a sharp save with a header.

Despite missing several opportunities to increase their lead, Brighton held on to secure all three points.

Maresca had enjoyed a flawless start to his managerial reign at City, winning his first seven league matches, but his side have now suffered consecutive defeats against Aston Villa and Brighton.

Another individual error proved costly, with Nunes failing to make proper contact with De Cuyper’s cross towards the far post, allowing Ayari to score from close range.

City created opportunities but lacked their usual clinical finishing, failing to score for the first time in 25 Premier League matches despite registering 21 attempts on goal.

The defeat also extended City’s poor recent record against Brighton, leaving them without a league victory over the Seagulls in their last five meetings.

Haaland struggled for service, while City’s midfield combination of Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi lacked cohesion as Brighton effectively disrupted their attacking rhythm.

For Brighton, the victory ended a miserable record at the Etihad, where they had failed to win in 16 previous Premier League visits.

Ayari also made amends for missing a penalty during Wednesday’s shootout by scoring the decisive goal at the same end to register his third league goal of an impressive campaign.

Hurzeler’s side have scored 24 Premier League goals this season, more than any other team in the division.

Their disciplined defending, relentless pressing and attacking intensity ultimately secured a deserved victory and continued their impressive start to the campaign.