[Albion](https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/?ref=au) picked up a deserved away point at Manchester City.
Here are five things seen and heard at the Etihad.
### Point made
It is almost three years now since Albion effectively secured the title for Manchester City by winning 3-0 at Arsenal. They did not quite return the favour this time but the result dealt City’s hopes of regaining their crown some damage and you could sense the unease around the Etihad.
The locals used to sit serenely and watch their side pile up passes in winning games like this. This time there was angst, anxiety and even chanting. Which said a lot for Albion's work.
### Manchester double
Premier League press boxes have TV screens which allow reporters to watch their game as it happens and, more importantly, see the replays. But the two locals in front of of us had their screens tuned to Manchester United’s game at Burnley.
Very much a two-club city and Albion will visit the red half soon enough.
### Practice pays off
How much time do Albion, indeed all teams, spend on the training ground passing the ball in tight areas? Rondos, passing drills. It felt like that sort of practice paid off ahead of the equaliser as they kept the ball under pressure, very tight to the right touchline before Yasin Ayari switched play.
### Late chance
Might Albion have nicked this right at the end? They daringly sent defenders forward for a corner won by Brajan Gruda’s quick throw and Ferdi Kadioglu’s still energetic run at the end of an exhausting match. Max De Cuyper was clearly frusrrated by the set-piece he then delivered.
### Familiar faces
> — Brian Horton (@brian\_horton4) [January 7, 2026](https://twitter.com/brian_horton4/status/2009049986185781317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Former Albion captain and manager Brian Horton met with current head coach Fabian Hurzeler and chief executive Paul Barber before the game. Horton, who lives near Manchester, enjoyed the catch-up and said afterwards it was a deserved point for the Seagulls.