Haaland goal gives hosts lead… but Estupinan replies with exquisite free-kick

Erling Haaland’s 11th-minute penalty put Manchester City ahead at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday – but Pervis Estupinan’s sweet free-kick drew the Seagulls level.

City top scorer Haaland placed a firm penalty to Bart Verbruggen’s left as the goalkeeper dived in the opposite direction, earning the Norway striker his 100th direct Premier League goal involvement since making his top-flight debut in August 2022.

Wideman Estupinan replied 10 minutes later, curling a centrally-located opportunity in off a post for his first goal since December.

Kaoru Mitoma had the ball in the net with a close-range finish within six minutes for Brighton, only for the strike to be ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who started because Ederson is not fully fit.

You can follow the action from Etihad Stadium live with 101GreatGoals.com’s live commentary from Manchester City v Brighton.

Erlingggg 🤩

🩵 1-0 🟡 #ManCity | @citcmancity pic.twitter.com/HwPa3EQdHb

– Manchester City (@Mancity) March 15, 2025

Manva Bright: Haaland cures

A Video Assistant Referee check was carried out on Mitoma’s effort, but there was less doubt over the decision that gave Haaland his chance to put the Cityzens ahead.

After Haaland released Omar Marmoush inside the penalty area on the right, visiting centre-back and captain Adam Webster leapt in with a rash challenge to bring down the Egypt forward.

“Pure confidence,” observed former England forward Dion Dublin, speaking on BBC Sport’s Final Score. “Erling Haaland doesn’t even look at the keeper and he finishes it with pace.”

Estupinan goal brings Brighton level

Brighton headed to City on a run of six successive wins in all competitions, knowing that victory would send them above their opponents into fifth in the Premier League.

The reigning champions lost 1-0 at Nottingham Forest last Saturday but have never been beaten at home by Brighton in any division.

🇪🇨🤗🇵🇾 pic.twitter.com/VtLBqAFchs

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) March 15, 2025

City have already lost nine times in the top flight in 2024/25, though, and another would make it the most defeats that manager Pep Guardiola has suffered in a league season.

Guardiola made four changes to his starting side, bringing in Rico Lewis at full-back and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan alongside Ortega and Marmoush.

Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler made one change from his starting side in the 2-1 home win over Fulham last Saturday, replacing Yasin Ayari with new signing Diego Gomez in midfield.