Raheem Sterling continued his poor run of penalties on Wednesday, becoming the first Premier League player in more than three years to miss three in a row.
Phil Foden gave City the lead against Brighton, scoring just before half-time for his team-high eighth goal of the season in all competitions.
City held that lead until stoppage time, when Sterling was given a chance to seal the game from the spot after Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez brought down Kevin De Bruyne in the box.
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But Sterling stepped up to the spot and blazed over the bar, his third consecutive penalty miss in the Premier League.