Manchester City progressed in the Carabao Cup with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Brighton following a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. Gerónimo Rulli, standing in as goalkeeper, was the hero with two saves in the shootout to secure the win.
Brighton took the lead twice during the 90 minutes. Malick Yalcouyé opened the scoring in the 30th minute, a goal that stood despite an offside flag being raised as VAR was not in operation for the fourth-round tie. Mateo Kovačić equalised for City ten minutes later, converting from a Phil Foden assist. The visitors regained the lead shortly after half-time through Georginio Rutter, who finished a cross from Jaouen Hadjam. City levelled again in the 72nd minute when a Rayan Cherki free-kick took a decisive deflection off Vitor Reis.
With no further goals, the tie went straight to penalties. Jason Steele saved Mateo Kovačić's effort for City, but Rulli responded by denying Yasin Ayari. The shootout went to a fifth round, where Rulli made the decisive stop from Lewis Dunk's penalty, allowing Rayan Cherki to step up and score the winning spot-kick.
Manager Enzo Maresca, in his third month in charge, made five changes to his starting lineup, resting several regulars. He introduced Jérémy Doku as a second-half substitute, and the winger repeatedly cut through Brighton's defence but found himself without consistent support. Maresca said his team, which only started working together three months ago, could have defended better but controlled the game overall. He also revealed the squad had never practised penalties since his arrival.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler felt his side created enough chances to win the match and stated they would look to reset for the immediate Premier League rematch. That league encounter comes this Saturday, with City hosting Brighton again. The league leaders, who sit top of the Premier League with 21 points from eight games, will face a Brighton side currently third in the table.
City's next fixture is that Premier League clash against Brighton on Saturday, 31 October. The Carabao Cup quarter-final will see them travel to face League One side Bradford City in December. Erling Haaland, the club's top scorer this season with nine goals, was among the players rested for this cup tie. The result extends City's recent form to two wins, one draw, and two losses from their last five matches across all competitions.
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Manager Enzo Maresca said his team invited too much pressure during their Carabao Cup win over Brighton. "There were large spells where the Seagulls had complete control," he stated. The boss warned his side, who are 1st in the Premier League with 21 points, cannot afford to let that happen often in the title race. They face the same opponents again in the league on Saturday.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has provided an update on his squad's fitness ahead of Saturday's Premier League rematch. He said defender Pascal Struijk remains a doubt with a thigh injury, stating, "It’s an injury that could get worse." Midfielder Chema Andres and full-back Ferdi Kadioglu, who both missed the 2-2 Carabao Cup draw, could be options to return. The Seagulls, who are 3rd in the table, visit the league leaders this weekend. City, who have scored 20 league goals this season, drew with Brighton on Wednesday.
Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed his Manchester City side had not practiced penalties before their Carabao Cup shootout win. "To be honest, since I've been here we never practiced penalties," said Maresca. He praised the five takers and goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli. The league leaders, who have scored 20 goals this season, face Brighton again on Saturday.
