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In an impressive Premier League debut, Matt O’Riley netted the winning goal as Brighton & Hove Albion pulled off a 2-1 comeback victory over Manchester City at the Amex Stadium.
City started strong, with an early test from Savinho forcing a sharp save from Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen.
Erling Haaland soon followed with an attempt, narrowly missing a volley.
However, Haaland found his mark moments later, capitalizing on his own blocked shot to tap the ball over the line, despite Jan Paul van Hecke’s last-ditch effort to stop it.
Haaland nearly scored again shortly after, but Verbruggen deflected the striker’s close-range shot onto the post, keeping Brighton within reach.
Brighton’s Danny Welbeck responded with a chance of his own, sending a free-kick just wide before halftime.
Brighton upped the intensity in the second half, pressing City’s defense.
Joao Pedro missed a key opportunity in a one-on-one situation, dragging his shot wide. Yet he made amends moments later, equalizing with a precise finish after a scramble in City’s box.
The Amex crowd erupted as O’Riley, in his first Premier League match, broke through the defense to slot in the decisive goal past Ederson, securing Brighton’s comeback.
Meanwhile, Liverpool extended their Premier League lead with a commanding 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah took center stage, assisting Darwin Nunez for the opening goal in the 20th minute with a precise pass that allowed Nunez to fire from a tight angle.
Villa had several chances to respond, with Unai Emery’s side testing Liverpool’s defense. Caoimhin Kelleher made critical saves, denying Amadou Onana and Diego Carlos.
However, it was Salah who sealed Liverpool’s victory, chipping the ball over Emiliano Martinez on a swift counter-attack in the 84th minute.
With nine wins in 11 games, Liverpool now sit comfortably at the top of the table, leading by five points.
Villa, meanwhile, holds eighth place, level on points with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Fulham.
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