Manchester City Advances Past Brighton in EFL Cup After Penalty Shootout
Manchester City faced off against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium earlier tonight, aiming for a favorable outcome in the EFL Cup. The home side struggled to find their rhythm early in the match, leading to the opening goal by Malick Yalcouye for Brighton in the 30th minute. However, ten minutes later, Mateo Kovacic brought City back level, and both teams headed into the half-time break with a score of 1-1.
Brighton regained their lead shortly after the break with a goal from Georginio Rutter in the 47th minute. Nevertheless, Vitor Reis equalized for City again in the 72nd minute. The match concluded with a 2-2 scoreline after regular time.
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In the subsequent penalty shootout, Manchester City secured a 4-3 victory.
The following provides a performance review of each Manchester City player during the match against Brighton.
GK: Geronimo Rulli – 7/10
He produced several important saves but ultimately allowed two goals.
RB: Rico Lewis – 6.5/10
Lewis defended adequately but contributed little to the attack.
CB: Vitor Reis – 8/10
Reis excelled in defense, making key clearances, and scored the crucial equalizer in the 72nd minute.
CB: Marc Guehi – 6.5/10
Guehi carried out his defensive tasks well, though he could not maintain a steady backline.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Rayan Cherki of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s fourth penalty in the shootout during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion at Etihad Stadium on October 28, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
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LB: Nico O’Reilly – 7/10
O’Reilly added defensive support where necessary and made some promising runs.
CM: Ayyoub Bouaddi – 6.5/10
Bouaddi contributed positively at both ends of the pitch.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – 7/10
Kovacic effectively controlled the midfield and scored in the 40th minute, but he missed his penalty in the shootout.
RW: Phil Foden – 7.5/10
Foden troubled Brighton defenders and provided an assist, while also scoring during the penalties.
CAM: Rayan Cherki – 8/10
Cherki consistently created opportunities and notched an assist before successfully scoring his penalty.
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LW: Allan – 6.5/10
Allan was involved defensively but did not impact the offensive play significantly and was substituted around the hour mark.
ST: Floyd Samba – 6/10
Samba’s performance left much to be desired, leading to his substitution at halftime.
ST: Ryan McAidoo – 6/10
McAidoo made one notable attack but was otherwise quiet.
LB: Rayan Ait-Nouri – 6.5/10
Ait-Nouri maintained a solid presence in defense.
LW: Jeremy Doku – 8/10
Doku made multiple dangerous runs and converted his penalty in the shootout.
RB: Abdukodir Khusanov – 6/10
Khusanov ensured defensive stability in his role.
