Manchester City’s Champions League hopes suffered a setback as they let their lead slip twice in a 2-2 draw against Brighton. An unfortunate own goal from Abdukodir Khusanov added to their struggles in securing a top-four finish.

Erling Haaland gave City an early lead from the penalty spot at the Etihad Stadium, but Brighton responded through Pervis Estupiñán. Omar Marmoush put City back in front just before halftime, only for Brighton to equalize again in the second half after Khusanov's deflection.

City remain in fifth place, trailing fourth-placed Chelsea by a point, while Newcastle and Brighton are also in contention. The top four secure automatic Champions League spots, but fifth place might also qualify depending on how English clubs perform in European competitions.

A year ago, City were on course for another Premier League title, but after a disappointing season, they are now battling just to qualify for Europe’s top tournament. Brighton, meanwhile, continue their impressive form, keeping their Champions League dreams alive.

Pep Guardiola made four changes from City's 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, bringing in Omar Marmoush, Ilkay Gundogan, Stefan Ortega, and Rico Lewis.

City earned an 11th-minute penalty when Haaland played in Marmoush, who was fouled by Adam Webster. Haaland calmly slotted home, marking his 100th Premier League goal involvement (84 goals and 16 assists) in just 94 appearances—a record-breaking feat.

However, City’s defensive frailties showed again as Brighton leveled in the 21st minute. Estupiñán unleashed a powerful free-kick from 20 yards, catching goalkeeper Ortega off guard as the ball ricocheted in off the post.

City pressed forward, with Haaland missing a chance and Savinho’s shot being blocked. Their persistence paid off in the 39th minute when Gundogan intercepted a Brighton pass and assisted Marmoush for a clinical finish.

Just minutes into the second half, City’s defensive struggles resurfaced. Jack Hinshelwood’s shot took an unfortunate deflection off Khusanov, gifting Brighton the equalizer.

Brighton had chances to take the lead, but Yankuba Minteh missed from close range, and Carlos Baleba fired over in a frantic finale.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest strengthened their unexpected top-four challenge with a 4-2 victory over relegation-threatened Ipswich Town. Forest remain third with 54 points, five clear of Chelsea, who have a game in hand. Ipswich sit 18th, nine points from safety.

Forest took control with three quick first-half goals. Nikola Milenkovic struck first with a powerful volley in the 35th minute. Anthony Elanga then curled in a stunning effort before doubling his tally moments later, slotting home after a long pass from Milenkovic.

Ipswich pulled one back in the 82nd minute through Jens Cajuste, but Forest quickly restored their advantage when Jota Silva finished a counter-attack. George Hirst added a late consolation for Ipswich.

Elsewhere, Everton extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a 1-1 draw against West Ham in the ‘David Moyes Derby.’

Tomas Soucek put West Ham ahead in the 67th minute, curling a shot into the bottom corner after a pass from Jarrod Bowen. But in stoppage time, Jake O'Brien rescued a point for Everton with a close-range header.

In another match, Wolverhampton Wanderers moved closer to securing Premier League survival with a 2-1 victory over bottom-placed Southampton, thanks to a brace from Jorgen Strand Larsen.