Matt O’Riley proved to be the hero for Brighton as they mounted a thrilling late comeback to defeat Manchester City 2-1, marking City’s fourth consecutive loss. The £26 million summer signing from Celtic had endured a tough start to his Brighton career, suffering a serious ankle ligament injury just minutes into his debut in August. After 10 weeks of recovery and rehab, the Denmark international made his return as a substitute in the 57th minute, a move that would prove pivotal.
With City leading 1-0 thanks to Erling Haaland’s early goal, Brighton intensified their attack. Joao Pedro capitalized on a penalty box scramble to equalize, and moments later, he set up O’Riley, who finished with poise in the 83rd minute to secure the win. Speaking afterward, O’Riley expressed joy in returning to the field and acknowledged the tactical adjustments that allowed him to capitalize on space in the right pocket.
Brighton’s head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, praised the team’s resilience, with O’Riley’s goal sending Brighton into the Premier League’s top four.
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