Brighton & Hove Albion ended Manchester City’s winning run in the Premier League after they played out to a 1-1 draw at the American Express Community Stadium on Wednesday evening.

A point was also enough for the Seagulls to guarantee a sixth-place finish and a spot in the Europa League for next season.

Phil Foden put the English champions ahead, but Julio Enciso’s spectacular long-range goal earned Brighton a point.

“Only 48 hours before they drank all the alcohol in Manchester,” said Guardiola. “Today they showed why they are the champions.

“We were humble and run a lot. That is why we are the champions for many years, these players showed something special.”

Guardiola hailed Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi as one of the most influential managers of the last two decades prior to the match.

The City coach showed his respect by recalling a number of star players who missed Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea to celebrate the club’s fourth league championship in five years.

Within thirty minutes of his return, Erling Haaland could have scored his seventh hat-trick of the season.

Five minutes in, the towering Norwegian headed over Foden’s inviting cross.

Haaland then had a poor touch to blame for his inability to beat Jason Steele in a goal-scoring position.

Foden scored his 15th goal of the season on the third attempt, when Haaland selflessly set him up with just Steele to beat.

However, after a sluggish start, Brighton quickly began to live up to Guardiola’s hype as the champions were put on their heels.

“In every situation, even when the situation was difficult, we didn’t lose our style,” said De Zerbi.

Danny Welbeck’s free-kick hit the crossbar, and Facundo Buonanotte’s finish after strolling through the City defence should have been better.

Kaoru Mitoma’s equaliser was also disallowed for handball.

Enciso’s equaliser was unstoppable, as the Paraguayan received a pass from Levi Colwill and blasted a shot into the top corner for his first goal at the Amex.

Moments later, Brighton had the ball in the net for the third time in the first half, but Welbeck was ruled offside after Mitoma’s pass.

Despite the fast-paced nature of the game, the second period featured less goalmouth activity.

Haaland believed he had scored his 53rd goal of the season 15 minutes from time when he headed in Cole Palmer’s cross.

However, a review by VAR revealed that the prolific number nine for City had pulled Colwill’s shirt to create space for a free header.

Guardiola was shown a yellow card by the referee after a brief flare-up on the touchline following this decision.

Phil Foden, John Stones, and Bernardo Silva were unable to move freely as they were substituted in the second half, causing City to have minor injury concerns ahead of the FA Cup and Champions League finals next month.

“We have to be careful for the players to arrive to the finals as best as possible,” added Guardiola.

Guardiola and De Zerbi exchanged a warm embrace of mutual admiration after the final whistle, smiling the entire time.