Pep Guardiola predicted the battle for a top-five finish in the Premier League will go to the final day of the season following Manchester City's 2-2 draw with Brighton on Saturday.

Goals from Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush, either side of Pervis Estupinan's glorious free-kick, put City in control with a 2-1 half-time lead at the Etihad Stadium.

But Abdukodir Khusanov's own goal early in the second half dragged Brighton level again, and the Seagulls – who are just a point behind City – missed several good chances to win it.

City have now dropped nine points from winning positions in Premier League home games this season, their most in a single campaign since 2008-09 (12).

Having lost 1-0 at Nottingham Forest in their previous game, they are six points adrift of third, while they could end Sunday four points off fourth-placed Chelsea if the Blues beat Arsenal.

Just one victory for any of the five English teams in the quarter-finals of UEFA's three competitions will ensure that fifth place in the Premier League is enough for Champions League qualification, but Guardiola still believes City have their work cut out.

Asked if he expected the fight for a top-five finish to go to the final day, Guardiola said: "Nine games, nine finals. It looks like it.

"Nine games still until the end of the season. We have tough games.

"It was quite similar to Nottingham Forest. Okay, we didn't lose. The goal was not good enough, but it will be tight until the end."

Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who assisted City's second goal, told BBC Sport: "I feel very disappointed. After getting in front twice and actually playing quite well, it's a bit frustrating to not get the three points.

"I think we were able to limit their possession. Second half, after conceding the second, it felt like we dropped in confidence and belief.

"We dropped a little bit and gave away easy chances. It's important to stay calm. Of course, mistakes happen, even at this level.

"The opposition are so good. Every game is tough. Then when you concede, sometimes you try not to overdo things.

"We need to expect the best from everyone every single day.

"I thought we had a good week of training. We want to transmit that power and energy into the game. Sometimes it isn't enough."