#4 trendingMan City vs. Brighton
Man City beat Brighton 4-3 on penalties after 2-2 draw as Rulli saves two kicks
Manchester City stayed alive in their defense of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, beating Brighton 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. City never led in normal time, but stand-in goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli saved two Brighton kicks and Rayan Cherki scored the winning penalty, according to Sky Sports and The Guardian.
What was the Man City vs. Brighton score?
It finished 2-2 after 90 minutes. Brighton went ahead twice. Malick Yalcouyé opened the scoring in the 30th minute to finish a slick move; Sky Sports noted some surprise that the offside flag stayed down, with VAR not in use in this round. Mateo Kovacic equalized in the 40th minute with a shot guided inside the post.
About 90 seconds into the second half, Georginio Rutter restored Brighton’s lead with a first-time finish from Jaouen Hadjam’s pull-back. City leveled in the 72nd minute when a Cherki free kick deflected off Vitor Reis and wrong-footed Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele; the goal was credited to Reis.
How did the shootout play out?
City scored four of their five penalties. Steele saved Kovacic’s attempt, but Rulli kept out Yasin Ayari’s fourth kick and Lewis Dunk’s fifth, The Guardian reported. Cherki converted the decisive penalty. The Guardian’s Jamie Jackson wrote that Jérémy Doku’s arrival off the bench changed the energy of City’s attack.
Why it matters for Manchester City
City are the holders, and the AP said they “stayed on course to retain the title.” Enzo Maresca rested five key players, according to Sky Sports, and City’s build-up looked slow for long stretches. The win also kept City from joining Arsenal, which was knocked out by fourth-tier Fleetwood Town on Tuesday.
What did Brighton’s manager say?
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler told Sky Sports his side “had enough chances to win this game” and called the goals they conceded “very unlucky.” He pointed to Saturday’s rematch as a quick chance to respond.
When do Man City and Brighton play again?
Very soon. The two clubs meet again at the Etihad in the Premier League on Saturday, according to both Sky Sports and The Guardian.
FAQ
Who won Man City vs. Brighton?
Manchester City, 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Who scored?
Kovacic and Vitor Reis for City; Yalcouyé and Rutter for Brighton.
Who was City’s goalkeeper?
Geronimo Rulli, who saved two penalties in the shootout.