After Jérémy Doku’s second-half substitute appearance transformed Manchester City into a high-octane proposition, the smart money was on the momentum continuing into a victorious penalty shootout. So it proved as Enzo Maresca’s men triumphed 4-3, Gerónimo Rulli the hero: his save from Lewis Dunk’s fifth spot-kick was decisive, the Argentinean also having repelled Yasin Ayari’s fourth effort. While Jason Steele kept out Mateo Kovacic’s attempt, City progressed after Brighton twice took the lead – via Malick Yalcouyé and Georginio Rutter – before being pegged back by Kovacic and Vitor Reis.
Maresca was left beaming: “Since I’m here we never practised penalties,” said the City manager. I am very happy.” Of Doku, he said: “He made an impact. This is the reason they are there.
Jérémy and the rest – to try to do their best, if they start from the beginning or if they come in from the bench try to make an impact.” The tie might have gone either way, so the lottery of penalties felt apt to decide who went through before Saturday’s rematch back here in the league. City will now play League One Bradford in the quarter-finals. His opposite number spoke of vengeance.
We had enough chances to win the game – they had the luck today. We have a great chance on Saturday to take revenge,” said Fabian Hürzeler. Brighton will stay up in the area.
With no video assistant referee in the Carabao Cup the goal stood, though it was soon cancelled out by Kovacic: Phil Foden fed him and, from the edge of the penalty area, he threaded the ball beyond Steele low into the left corner. For the second half Maresca introduced Rayan Aït-Nouri and Ryan McAidoo for Ayyoub Bouaddi and Floyd Samba. Instantly, though, City conceded: Brighton slipped through the lines with ease, and Jaouen Hadjam’s cross was slid in by Rutter.
The forward’s grin went wide in celebration and the Seagulls were heading through, while City were going out. Aït-Nouri, skipping down the left, tried to do something about this, but his ball over was aimless. At least there was pace in this foray, which those in blue sometimes lacked.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
