Pep Guardiola during Man City vs Brighton
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City dropped points against Brighton
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola left more questions than answers after withdrawing Bernardo Silva during the Premier League draw against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Portugal international Bernardo was introducted shortly before the hour mark. However, he lasted just 18 minutes before making way for Phil Foden.
There was no obvious sign of injury for the former Monaco star when he left the field of play. Guardiola was asked about his decision in a post-match interview, and didn't clear anything up conclusively.
"I don't know I didn't speak to the doctors," Guardiola told Match of the Day when asked specifically about an injury. "Bernardo is so strong."
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City went into the match knowing they could move back into the top four with a victory, but couldn't get the job done. Erling Haaland's penalty opener was cancelled out by Pervis Estupinan, while Omar Marmoush restored City's lead only for an Abdukodir Khusanov own goal to ensure the spoils were shared.
"It was a good game. A tight game - I know how difficult it is to make the process which we're in now," Guardiola said. "The players gave everything - we take the point and we keep going.
"Of course, I have confidence and I always have. The young players played good. All the defenders were so clever. We were close, but unfortunately we couldn't do it."
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Abdukodir Khusanov scoring an own goal
Abdukodir Khusanov's own goal ensured the spoils were shared
Brighton were chasing a league double over City, having won 2-1 at the Amex Stadium back in November. Instead they remain a point behind their rivals, much to the frustration of Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler.
"We gave away goals in a very cheap way and we have to improve," Hurzeler told MOTD. "The fact that we came back twice and we had big opportunities to go for the win is a very positive one. We showed our identity and that's how we want to play.
"Overall, I am happy with the performance, but not happy with the result. It is very obvious for me and clear that we should leave this pitch as a winner. Sometimes in football it's like this.
"We have to analyse this game and then we should be disappointed about the draw.We should stay grounded, humble and keep pushing each other. This club always works hard. We have a situation with the run after the Forest game. It is because we're doing the basics right. We have to keep doing it for the rest of the season."
The draw at the Etihad Stadium means Chelsea are guaranteed to end the weekend in fourth place. They take on Arsenal on Sunday, but can't yet catch third-placed Nottingham Forest after Nuno's men won 4-2 at Ipswich.
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