# Ayari Gives Brighton Victory at Manchester City

Brighton won 1–0 at the Etihad, leaving them two points behind City and Arsenal after City’s second successive league defeat.

By Will Langan | 24X7 News
Published: 2026-10-31T18:08:56.986Z
Updated: 2026-10-31T18:08:56.986Z
Section: Sports
Format: News
Canonical: https://24x7news.us/articles/brighton-manchester-city-ayari-october-31-2026

Yasin Ayari scored the only goal as Brighton & Hove Albion defeated Manchester City 1–0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, October 31, handing City a second consecutive Premier League defeat.

City’s official match report and Reuters confirmed the result. Brighton moved to 19 points from nine matches, two behind City and Arsenal.

Ayari’s early finish followed a low cross that Matheus Nunes failed to clear. The ball reached the Brighton midfielder close to goal, and his conversion proved sufficient despite City’s subsequent pressure.

The hosts had opportunities to equalize but could not beat goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Iliman Ndiaye headed narrowly wide before halftime, while Nunes had a second-half effort saved after a pass from substitute Rayan Cherki, according to City’s account.

Brighton also had a chance to extend the lead after the interval, when Maxim De Cuyper shot over with Gianluigi Donnarumma to beat. At the other end, Nico O’Reilly headed wide late in the match.

Reuters reported that the defeat ended Erling Haaland’s run of scoring in seven consecutive league matches. City midfielder Elliot Anderson described the team’s finishing as a disappointment and called for the players to remain united.

City remained first on goal difference immediately after the result, level with Arsenal on 21 points. Arsenal can move above them by avoiding defeat at Liverpool on Sunday; that match had not been played at the time of this report.

For Brighton, the victory followed their Carabao Cup defeat at the same ground earlier in the week. Their league record now stands at six wins, one draw and two losses.

Sources
Manchester City — Official October 31 Match Report: https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/city-v-brighton-premier-league-match-report-31-oct-63929055
Reuters — October 31 Match Report: https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/man-city-rue-poor-finishing-home-loss-brighton-2026-10-31/

## Sources
- Manchester City — Official October 31 Match Report: https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/city-v-brighton-premier-league-match-report-31-oct-63929055
- Reuters — October 31 Match Report: https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/man-city-rue-poor-finishing-home-loss-brighton-2026-10-31/