Guardiola says Manchester City forgot to play' in defeat at Brighton

"We played brilliantly the first hour but conceded a goal and then forgot to continue playing, Guardiola said. We decided to play long but we were not good enough. Sometimes the momentum changes the shapes. I used to be a player. I understand this. Before the collapse, Guardiola had seen positive signs. I had the feeling we are more active compared to last season, but last season we lost to Spurs and Brighton and this season it happened again. It's difficult at the start of the season."

"We are missing the level, Rodri said, after his first league start in 10 months. It is a matter of the team and the changes, new players have to adapt and, of course, when you change the team that much it is difficult. But some of the mistakes we are making are kids' mistakes, not concentrating and paying attention. The reality is that we have to raise the level if we want to compete."

Manchester City lost 2-1 at Brighton after taking the lead through Erling Haaland. Brighton made a quadruple substitution after an hour that shifted momentum, and James Milner converted a penalty seven minutes later to equalise. City switched to long passes and lost shape, then conceded an 89th-minute winner from Brajan Gruda while fatigue and an earlier injury to Abdukodir Khusanov reduced defensive cover. The defeat was City's second of the season and the first time losing two of the first three league games in 21 years. Rayan Cherki is likely to be sidelined for around two months with a thigh injury.

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