Rayan Cherki strikes winning penalty as Manchester City progress past Brighton

Manchester City advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup after a tense penalty shoot-out against Brighton, following a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. The holders, managed by Enzo Maresca, faced a tough contest, coming from behind twice during the match. Ultimately, City converted four of their five penalties, with Rayan Cherki scoring the decisive spot-kick, while Brighton's Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk both failed to convert their attempts, allowing City to win 4-3 on penalties.

Brighton took the lead twice in the match, first through Malick Yalcouye, who scored after a well-executed team move. Despite some controversy over his position, the goal stood as VAR was not in use. City equalised through Mateo Kovacic, who struck from the edge of the area, but they struggled to maintain control, missing several key players who were rested for this fixture.

Just after the break, Brighton regained the lead with Georginio Rutter's goal, which came from a quick counter-attack. City's defensive lapses allowed Brighton to dictate much of the game, and the visitors looked set to secure a victory. However, Rayan Cherki's free-kick, which took a deflection off Vitor Reis, levelled the match again, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

The penalty shoot-out saw City narrowly escape elimination, contrasting with Arsenal's earlier exit against Fleetwood Town. City will face League One side Bradford City in the next round, while Brighton's manager, Fabian Hurzeler, expressed disappointment over the result, believing his side deserved more. He is now focused on their upcoming Premier League rematch with City, hoping for a chance to avenge this defeat.

via Sky Sports