Manchester City player ratings: Marmoush shines, Khusanov struggles in 2-2 draw | OneFootball

In a clash between two teams vying for a top-four spot, Manchester City and Brighton could not be separated at the Etihad in the Premier League. Despite taking the lead twice, the home side failed to hold on, as the visitors managed to equalize both times.

The 2-2 draw was a fair result considering how the match unfolded. The result means City remain fifth in the table. Their next match will be in the FA Cup against Bournemouth after the international break.

Match summary

Erling Haaland opened the scoring after Omar Marmoush was brought down by Adam Webster. However, within 10 minutes, the Seagulls equalized through a Pervis Estupiñán free-kick that left Stefan Ortega rooted to the spot.

Six minutes before halftime, Marmoush restored City's lead with a brilliant strike from outside the box. But their hopes of building on the advantage were short-lived as Brighton equalized just three minutes into the second half. Chaos from a free-kick led to Abdukodir Khusanov inadvertently putting the ball into his own net.

That goal marked the 40th time City have conceded in the Premier League this season, the most under Pep Guardiola. Both teams pushed for a winner, with City's best chance coming when Nico González's header struck the post from an İlkay Gündoğan corner.

Towards the end, Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick nearly found the net after glancing off Gündoğan's back. However, that was the final meaningful opportunity City could create.

Manchester City player ratings

Stefan Ortega – 5/10

The German nearly conceded an equalizer immediately after City took the lead, only for the referee to call a foul. He was poor in dealing with Estupiñán's free-kick, despite it being aimed at his near post. Ortega simply stood still, expecting it to go out. He made a good save later to deny Kaoru Mitoma.

Rico Lewis – 5.5/10

Although he started as a right-back, to provide depth Lewis frequently drifted into midfield, allowing Brighton to exploit the right flank. He struggled to stop crosses from the visitors.

Abdukodir Khusanov – 4.5/10

In the first half, Khusanov left a ball for Rúben Dias, almost gifting Brighton a chance. For the second goal, he kept everyone onside before scoring an own goal. A poor outing for the Uzbekistan international.

Rúben Dias – 6.5/10

The Portuguese defender was unable to prevent either of Brighton’s goals. He was solid but couldn’t make life as difficult for Brighton as he would have liked.

Joško Gvardiol – 6.5/10

Gvardiol frequently pushed forward, though he didn’t have much attacking influence. He did, however, contribute defensively.

Nico González – 6.5/10

González disrupted Brighton’s attacks a few times but conceded the free-kick that led to Estupiñán’s goal. He was also dispossessed at times. Later, he was unlucky not to score when his header struck the post.

İlkay Gündoğan – 7/10

The German controlled possession well and assisted Marmoush's goal. He nearly scored himself when De Bruyne’s free-kick deflected off his back.

Omar Marmoush – 8/10

Marmoush made intelligent runs, one of which won the penalty. He also scored a fantastic goal from outside the box. The Egyptian was City’s standout player.

Savinho – 6/10

Savinho stretched Brighton’s defense at times and forced a good save. However, he squandered a great chance after a one-two with Marmoush.

Erling Haaland – 7/10

Haaland's pass to Marmoush was crucial in winning the penalty. He converted from the spot to put City ahead early on. However, he struggled to make a major impact beyond that, despite working hard.

Jérémy Doku – 6.5/10

Doku frequently beat his markers and looked threatening when moving the ball quickly. However, nothing came of his efforts, and he was later booked for simulation.

Sub: Bernardo Silva – 5/10 (on 58' for Savinho)

Silva worked hard as always but had to be taken off due to a knock.

Sub: Phil Foden – 5/10 (on 76' for Bernardo Silva)

The reigning Premier League Player of the Year couldn’t influence the game in the final 15 minutes.

Sub: Kevin De Bruyne – 5.5/10 (on 86' for Omar Marmoush)

De Bruyne rrived too late to have a real impact. His free-kick nearly crept in after deflecting off Gündoğan.

Manager: Pep Guardiola - 5.5/10