Manchester City beat Brighton on penalties, and the Carabao Cup holders can thank a backup goalkeeper for keeping their title defence alive. Twice they trailed, twice they hit back, and in the end Gerónimo Rulli turned into a shoot-out hero at the Etihad.
Manchester City vs Brighton: How the Match Unfolded
Brighton came to play. They grew into the game, with Georginio Rutter testing Rulli twice from distance before Pascal Gross fired wide. They took the lead through Malick Yalcouyé after 30 minutes. City did not panic. Mateo Kovacic levelled before half-time.
The second half brought more drama. The impressive Rutter put Brighton back in front and then hit the bar. City needed a response. Enzo Maresca brought on Jeremy Doku, whose arrival lifted the crowd.
The equaliser was pure luck. Vitor Reis diverted a Rayan Cherki free kick into the net in the 72nd minute. Cherki’s low shot nicked off Reis’s heel, wrong-footing Brighton’s goalkeeper. Brighton nearly snatched it late. Mats Wieffer flicked a corner against the post.
The Penalty Shoot-Out: Rulli Takes Over
This is where the night turned. Phil Foden, Enzo Fernández and Doku scored for City, while Gross, Matt O’Riley and Maxim De Cuyper answered for Brighton. Then Kovacic stepped up. Jason Steele denied him, making him the first to miss. Brighton had the chance to take control.
They did not take it. Rulli beat out Yasin Ayari’s effort, then did the same to Lewis Dunk. Cherki converted City’s fifth penalty, which put the pressure on Brighton captain Dunk. The captain missed, and City went through 4-3. Rulli, the backup keeper, saved two spot-kicks.
Why Rulli Deserves the Credit
It was not just the shoot-out. One match report rated him man of the match for several stops in the game, including a great save to deny Rutter in the second half. Backup goalkeepers rarely get nights like this. When your chance comes, take it with both hands, and he did.
What It Means for City and Brighton
For City, the defence of the trophy continues. They will meet Bradford City in the quarter-finals in December. That is a kind draw for the holders. Maresca’s side never led on the night, which says a lot about their resolve, but they will know the performance needs to improve.
For Brighton, it is a painful exit. They twice took the lead and came close to winning in normal time. Their performance should give Fabian Hürzeler plenty of encouragement, even though the result hurts. mysportdab
Key Takeaways
- Manchester City beat Brighton 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
- Yalcouyé and Rutter put Brighton ahead, while Kovacic and Reis hit back for City.
- Rulli saved penalties from Ayari and Dunk.
- Kovacic was the only City player to miss from the spot.
- City face Bradford City in the quarter-finals.
Sometimes the Lord sends a hero from the bench, and tonight he wore gloves. Stick with ShapHub Sport Blog for more updates from the Carabao Cup and beyond.
You can also check out our YouTube for more sport news @ShapHub
