Erling Haaland was handed an unwanted first by Albion - despite breaking his duck at the Amex.

The Norway striker scored in a Manchester City defeat for the first time as they lost 2-1.

His fourth goal in as many games against the Seagulls put the champions ahead.

But they ended up empty-handed – and Haaland’s frustrations boiled over as he was booked for a tangle with Jan Paul van Hecke just before full-time.

Haaland had previously scored in 61 games for City in all competitions, resulting in 54 wins and seven draws.

The last time he scored for his club in a defeat was when Borussia Dortmund lost 4-3 at home to Bochum late in the 2021-22 campaign.

Former Albion record signing Jurgen Locadia was one of the Bochum scorers as they won 4-3.

Van Hecke enjoyed a breakthrough performance against Haaland when City drew 1-1 at the Amex two seasons ago, the only game against Albion in which he has not scored.

He got two at the Etihad in 2022-23 and one last season.

Haaland had a goal disallowed in that draw at the Amex two seasons, which is remembered for Julio Enciso’s wonder goal.

He missed City’s 4-0 win last season through injury.

Albion boss Fabian Huerzeler said: “You can’t defend Haaland in one against one so you always have to defend with more players, with compactness.

“Of course, they had a lot of duels and I know how big the potential for Jan Paul van Hecke.

“But part of the truth is that Igor helps him a lot.

“Igor was there so it was a great performance from both of them, how they defended Erling Haaland together.

“I have to give both centre-backs a big compliment."