Manchester City slipped to a second consecutive Premier League defeat as Brighton won 1-0 at the Etihad, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma's form again coming under the spotlight.
Enzo Maresca's side were beaten by a first-half goal from Yasin Ayari, who converted after a cross from Diego Gomez. The result marked Brighton's first-ever victory at the Etihad and left City facing renewed questions over their recent slump.
Maresca's 'Gigio plus 10' claim backfires
In the build-up to the match, Maresca had publicly backed his goalkeeper, saying: "There is no player who is undroppable, but there is a moment where it is Gigio plus 10, because in this moment I see it like this."
The comment came after Donnarumma had been blamed for goals in recent weeks, including one that contributed to a defeat at Aston Villa. The 27-year-old joined City from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2025, shortly after Pep Guardiola activated a buy-back clause to re-sign James Trafford from Burnley.
Trafford thriving at Leeds
Trafford spent most of last season on the bench before joining Leeds United the following summer. He has since impressed at Elland Road and is widely regarded as a future England number one, while Donnarumma has struggled for form and confidence.
Brighton's opening goal highlighted Donnarumma's perceived lack of sharpness, as he remained rooted to his line when Gomez's cross found Ayari. The keeper had earlier made a good save to deny a header from Ayari in the second half, but by then City were already behind.
Rulli's Carabao Cup heroics
Donnarumma had been rested in midweek, with Geronimo Rulli impressing in his place by saving two penalties to help eliminate Brighton from the Carabao Cup. That performance appeared to motivate Brighton to seek revenge at the Etihad.
Donnarumma has now conceded 13 goals in his last seven games in all competitions. A poor pass to Elliot Anderson during the match also drew reactions from team-mates and supporters, and the decision to drop Marc Guehi was not seen as addressing the underlying issue.
