City were twice pegged back after an Erling Haaland penalty and fine Omar Marmoush strike from range on a day that saw our home temporarily renamed the City in the Community Etihad Stadium in honour of our charity.
Brighton thought they had an early lead when Kaoru Mitoma bundled the ball home but it was ruled out by VAR.
Instead, it was City who scored first when Marmoush was brought down for a penalty that Haaland duly converted.
That was the Norwegian’s 100th goal involvement in the Premier League, reaching the landmark in a record quick 94 appearances.
Pervis Estupinan had the visitors level shortly after with a free-kick that hit the post before crossing the line.
Marmoush had us ahead before the break though with a thumping hit from 25 yards for his fourth City goal.
The visitors responded soon after half-time though when Jack Hinshelwood’s tame shot on the turn hit Abdukodir Khusanov and deflected in.
City pushed hard for a winner from that point, with Nico coming closest when his header hit the post, but it wasn’t to be.
Check out the story of the day in photos...
AWAITING THEIR HEROES : City fans line up outside the Etihad ahead of arrivals
CAPTURING THE MOMENT : Taking a video of our stunning home
ALL SMILES : Erling Haaland was happy to be back at the Etihad
HERE'S THE BOSS : Pep arrives at the City in the Community Etihad Stadium
BUZZING : A young fan can't wait for kick-off
SAFE HANDS : Stefan Ortega Moreno sporting our CITC warm-up kit
BIG SCREEN TAKEOVER : Hand drawn versions of the club crests on the Etihad's big screen
RICO'S READY : Lewis sporting the CITC training top
MASCOT MEET UP : Moonchester says hello to young fans outside the Etihad
HANDSHAKES : The two captains meet before kick-off
WIDE SHOT : The Etihad watching on
RUNNING FREE : Savinho beats his marker
SURROUNDED : Haaland tries to find some space
COOL AS YOU LIKE : Haaland wheels away after scoring from the spot
GET IN : Haaland is mobbed by his team-mates after his goal
PONDERING : Pep watching on from the technical area
CUTTING IN : Jeremy Doku runs at his man
QUICK RELEASE : Ortega Moreno throws out
BANG BANG : Marmoush celebrates his excellent strike
LET'S GO : Marmoush gees up the crowd after his strike
CHECK IT OUT : Marmoush runs off to celebrate
FISTPUMP : Pep reacts to Marmoush's goal
FAN VIEW : How the Etihad reacted to Marmoush's hit
ASKING QUESTIONS : Pep speaks to his players
BRING IT FORWARD : Nico sets off another attack
POINT APIECE : Marmoush can't force the winner