Manchester City’s difficult start to the new Premier League season continued as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Brighton, despite taking the lead through Erling Haaland.
Second-half goals from James Milner (penalty) and Brajan Gruda turned the game on its head, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side with just one win from their opening three fixtures.
After the match, midfielder Rodri spoke candidly about City’s shortcomings, admitting that the team has slipped from its former dominance and must quickly raise its level if it is to compete for trophies this season.
Rodri’s Honest Assessment
The Spanish international pulled no punches in his Sky Sports interview:
“Disappointed because we are Manchester City and we come here to win, but this is the reality. We are not at the level for a long, long time. The only way to come back is to look to ourselves. We started well but the second half we dropped a little bit. Then at home they have pressure and we make two mistakes and it’s 2-1.” — Rodri, Sky Sports
Rodri highlighted “kid mistakes” in concentration as the key issue:
“Some of the mistakes we are doing are kids’ mistakes, you are not concentrating and paying attention. The reality is that we have to raise the level if we want to compete.” — Rodri, Sky Sports
On Squad Changes and Adaptation
Rodri acknowledged that City’s summer signings have disrupted continuity, with new players still adapting to Guardiola’s demands:
“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. This is our reality, it is not for excuses and we have to see this is not the way to achieve things.” — Rodri, Sky Sports
Rodri vs Brighton – Stats
| Stat | Rodri |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Touches | 104 |
| Accurate passes | 84/96 (88%) |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Long balls (accurate) | 10 (8) |
| Ground duels won | 5 (3) |
| Aerial duels won | 2 (2) |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Total tackles | 1 |
| Possession lost | 13 |
source: sofascore – 31 Aug 2025
Rodri was once again City’s most involved player, dictating play with over 100 touches and 88% pass accuracy. Yet his dominance in midfield was not enough to prevent another costly defeat.
Analyst Verdict – John William
FootballPlace analyst John William says Rodri’s words reflect a deeper truth:
“Rodri’s honesty is striking. City no longer feel inevitable. The midfield balance is off, new signings haven’t settled, and they’re conceding soft goals. Brighton took their chances, but the real story here is City’s vulnerability. For Guardiola, the challenge is re-establishing authority before the season gets away.”
Key Insights
- Rodri admits City “are not at the level” after Brighton defeat.
- Haaland’s opener cancelled by Milner penalty and Gruda winner.
- Rodri had 104 touches, 84 accurate passes, but couldn’t control game.
- City guilty of “kid mistakes” and poor adaptation from new players.
- Pressure grows on Guardiola after just one win in three matches.
What’s Next?
Manchester City enter the international break under pressure, with a derby against Manchester United looming large. Guardiola has two weeks to address both tactical flaws and the mentality of his squad.
Brighton, meanwhile, head into Europe with confidence, celebrating their biggest result of the Fabian Hürzeler era.
Do you agree with Rodri — are Manchester City no longer at the level to dominate?
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