Guardiola has praised the rise of mid-table teams such as Brighton to challenge for top spots this season, and when asked on Friday if he considered Saturday's opponents as rivals, he said: "And Bournemouth, and Aston Villa, and Newcastle (United), and maybe Fulham. Fantastic teams.

The Blues took an early lead when Erling Haaland converted from the spot but the visitors equalised through a Pervis Estupiñán free kick. Omar Marmoush restored the home side's advantage before the break but Brighton again found a leveller when Abdukodir Khusanov nudged past Stefan Ortega in the City goal.