While Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are in the unlikeliest of positions having to battle desperately for a Champions League berth next season, the manager did not mince his words in describing the enormity of the challenge.

while Brighton got the better of Nico Gonzalez a couple of times, the first to win a free kick that was put away by Estupinan, and the second when Joao Pedro won a duel with the Spaniard and took it round him, before the visitors won the corner that ended with Abdukodir Khusanov’s own goal.

Manchester City failed to ease fears of missing out on next season's Champions League after twice blowing the lead to draw 2-2 against Brighton, while third-placed Nottingham Forest thrashed Ipswich 4-2 on Saturday.