Manchester City, who played with 10 people, were forced to give up to Brighton & Hove Albion 2-3 in the Premier League at Amex Stadium, Wednesday (19/5).
The Citizens played with 10 players after Joao Cancelo was shown a red card in the 10th minute. He was sent off for a foul on Danny Welbeck.
Previously, City had a 1-0 lead when the game had only been running for two minutes through Ilkay Gundogan’s action. His header took advantage of Riyakd Mahrez’s bait and managed to break into Robert Sanchez’s goal.
Despite having lost one player, Man City managed to double the lead in the 48th minute through Phil Foden’s action.
However, the hosts were able to get up and equalize through Leandro Trossard (50 ‘) and Adam Webstar (72’). Brighton even turned out to be superior through Daniel Burn.
Pep Guardiola’s squad tried hard to score a return goal in the remaining time, but always ran aground until the game was over.
These results do not change Man City’s position at the top of the standings with a collection of 83 points. While Brighton rose to 15th place in the Premier League standings with 41 points from 37 matches.
Guardiola and Potter were involved in a bickering after the match even though the two coaches shook hands. A number of Man City coach officials, including Guardiola’s assistant, Juanma Lillo, also looked annoyed with Potter.
In an interview after the match, Guardiola was reluctant to reveal the reasons for making a fuss with Potter.
“What I said to him [Potter] is personal, not to be revealed here,” Guardiola was quoted as saying by the Daily Metro after the match.
Potter then explained the reasons for the commotion with Guardiola after Man City lost to Brighton. Potter admitted to having made a mistake after Brighton scored the first goal through Leandro Trossard in the 50th minute.
“Guardiola was disappointed with me. I was so emotional about our first goal. Not a good action from me. I’m sorry, it was just a momentary emotion. The first goal made me emotional, it was not my best time, I’m sorry,” said Potter.
“I don’t mean anything, just an emotional response and the gesture is not good. I’m sorry, there is no intention to offend, and I admit it was not a good moment,” continued Potter.
Man City has been confirmed to be champions of the Premier League this season. The Citizens still have the chance to win additional titles against Chelsea in the Champions League final, 29 May. Meanwhile, Brighton has been confirmed to be safe from the relegation zone.