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Carlos Baleba reacts after missing a chance to win the match for Brighton - AP/Ian Hodgson
Carlos Baleba missed a golden chance to give Brighton and Hove Albion a famous Premier League double against champions Manchester City.
In a thrilling game at the Etihad Stadium, Fabian Hürzeler’s side twice came from behind to claim a thoroughly deserved 2-2 draw and underline their Champions League credentials.
And the day could and probably should have been better only for the otherwise outstanding Baleba to balloon a shot over the crossbar from 12 yards after having time and space to take a touch and pick his spot eight minutes from time.
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Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood celebrates after his shot was turned into the net by City’s Abdukodir Khusanov to make it 2-2 at the Etihad - Reuters/Lee Smith
City took the lead when Erling Haaland scored from the penalty spot after Adam Webster brought down the lively Omar Marmoush.
Brighton equalised for a first time when Pervis Estupiñán curled a sublime free-kick in off a post. City restored their lead after Georginio Rutter lost possession and Ilkay Gundogan fed Marmoush to ram home a thumping drive.
Brighton were a persistent attacking threat, though, and drew level for a second time when City defender Abdukodir Khusanov turned the ball into his own net from Jack Hinshelwood’s shot after a corner.
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Erling Haaland reacts as City drop more points - Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt
The result kept City in fifth, a point behind Chelsea having played a game more. Brighton remain seventh, a point behind City. Fifth place is likely to earn a Champions League place this season with England currently top of the Uefa coefficients.
City lost Bernardo Silva to injury in the second half only 18 minutes after the Portugal midfielder’s introduction as a substitute.
Full report to follow...
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