Brighton Stun Manchester City As WSL Title Race Stalls With 3-2 Win

Brighton halted Manchester City’s march towards the Women’s Super League title with a 3-2 comeback win at Broadfield Stadium, handing Andree Jeglertz’s team a first league defeat since February and delaying confirmation of the championship despite City still needing only five more points.

Manchester City led early after a bright start, yet Brighton turned the match around and then survived sustained pressure. The setback also marked the first time this Women’s Super League season that Manchester City dropped points after holding an advantage during a game.

City began at speed as Aoya Fujino struck the side-netting inside the opening minute, signalling intent. The visitors moved in front after five minutes when Kerolin sent a looping effort over the goalkeeper. Khadija Shaw and Kerolin later went close again, but Brighton stayed in touch.

Brighton equalised in first-half stoppage time, punishing Manchester City’s missed chances. Fran Kirby created the leveller with a smart pass, allowing Madison Haley to drive a finish beyond the goalkeeper. That goal shifted momentum, giving the hosts belief as the teams went in level at the break.

Early in the second half, Brighton completed the turnaround. Kiko Seike drilled a rising strike from a tight angle into the roof of the net. Haley then made it 3-1 on 65 minutes, claiming a second goal and putting Manchester City under serious pressure.

Shaw responded five minutes from the end, guiding in a composed finish to reduce the deficit. Manchester City forced late attacks, yet Brighton defended the box with discipline and cleared several dangerous balls, securing a rare victory after conceding first in a Women’s Super League fixture.

The result ended Brighton’s seven-match Women’s Super League streak without winning after conceding first, while Seike’s strike also made history as Seike became the first Brighton player to score in four consecutive WSL games, underlining Seike’s growing influence in attacking areas.

Match data highlighted how both goalkeepers were busy in this Women’s Super League contest. Chiamaka Nnadozie and Ayaka Yamashita each made four saves. Brighton produced 1.81 expected goals from nine attempts, compared with Manchester City’s 2.15 from 17 shots, as shown below.

This setback means Manchester City are no longer perfect when leading in Women’s Super League matches, leaving Manchester United as the only side yet to drop points from winning positions, while Brighton gain a timely lift and the title race remains mathematically open.