City beat Brighton in penalties to keep League Cup hopes alive
Geronimo Rulli saved two penalties as Manchester City defeated Brighton 4-3 from the spot after a 2-2 draw.
By Nia Foster ·
Manchester City advanced to the League Cup quarterfinals by defeating Brighton 4-3 on penalties on Wednesday night. The result secured City a spot in the last eight, avoiding the same early exit that eliminated Arsenal earlier this week. The match required a penalty shootout to resolve after the sides finished regulation and extra time tied 2-2.
Backup goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli was the deciding factor in the shootout. City trailed after Mateo Kovacic’s fourth penalty was saved by Brighton keeper Jason Steele. Rulli then stopped Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk in the final two attempts to seal the victory for the holders.
City manager Enzo Maresca made nine changes to his starting lineup following Saturday’s loss to Aston Villa. That defeat ended the league leaders’ perfect start to the Premier League season. Maresca rested key players including Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Elliot Anderson, and Gianluigi Donnarumma for this cup match.
Brighton took the lead in the 30th minute when Malick Yalcouye scored from five yards after Georginio Rutter’s shot. Kovacic equalized for City roughly 20 minutes later, curling a shot from 25 yards into the far corner. Rutter put Brighton ahead again two minutes after halftime by finishing a cut-back from Jaouen Hadjam.
City found their second goal in the 72nd minute when Vitor Reis deflected a free kick from Rayan Cherki into the net. The teams will meet again in the Premier League at the Etihad on Saturday. In the League Cup, City will host third-tier Bradford next to determine the semifinalist.
Other results from the round included a 3-0 victory for Bournemouth over Aston Villa. Bournemouth have won their last three competitive matches, including wins over AC Milan and Manchester United. Crystal Palace beat Fulham 1-0, easing pressure on manager Pierre Sage. Palace will face Sunderland, who defeated Brentford 3-2 on Wednesday.
Fourth-tier Fleetwood reached the quarterfinals on Tuesday by beating Arsenal on penalties. Fleetwood will play the winner of the Everton and Newcastle match scheduled for Thursday. Liverpool will face Bournemouth in the other quarterfinal tie.
Source: Al Jazeera
