According to a report by Flashscore on Saturday October 31, 2026, Manchester City endured a frustrating first half against Brighton, heading into the break trailing 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

Yasin Ayari gave the visitors the lead in the 11th minute after finishing a well-worked move involving Maxim De Cuyper. Enzo Maresca's side enjoyed spells of possession but struggled to turn their attacking opportunities into goals.

1. Iliman Ndiaye

Iliman Ndiaye was among the biggest disappointments for Manchester City in the opening half. The midfielder had an excellent opportunity to equalise in the 25th minute after finding himself one-on-one with Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. However, his effort towards the right side of the goal was saved. He had another promising chance three minutes earlier when he connected with Elliot Anderson's lofted delivery inside the six-yard box, but his header went narrowly wide. Those missed opportunities proved costly for City.

2. Josko Gvardiol

Josko Gvardiol also struggled to make the most of his attacking opportunity. The defender found space near the penalty spot in the 16th minute and connected with Elliot Anderson's corner. However, his header was poorly directed and flew comfortably wide of the right post. He later went down inside the penalty area after a challenge in the 30th minute, but the referee refused to award a penalty.

3. Elliot Anderson

Elliot Anderson failed to provide consistent quality from midfield. Although he delivered the corner that led to Gvardiol's headed opportunity, his passing was disappointing. In the 21st minute, he attempted to send the ball into the penalty area but produced a poor delivery that was cleared away.

4. Jeremy Doku

Jeremy Doku struggled to make his attacking runs count. He failed to find Erling Haaland with an overhit through ball in the 41st minute. Earlier, his individual run in the 35th minute also ended without creating a clear opportunity after a Brighton defender blocked his progress.