The short version
- Geronimo Rulli saved two penalties to help Manchester City defeat Brighton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
- Manager Enzo Maresca stated that Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the starting goalkeeper despite recent defensive errors.
- City will face Bradford City in the next round after Chelsea and Arsenal were eliminated from the competition.
Manchester City advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Brighton, yet manager Enzo Maresca moved quickly to dispel any speculation regarding his starting goalkeeper. Geronimo Rulli, who started the match in place of Gianluigi Donnarumma, produced a decisive performance by saving two late penalties from Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk. Despite these heroics, which kept the holders in the competition after a 2-2 draw, Maresca emphasized that Donnarumma’s position as number one remains secure.
The Italian captain has faced scrutiny in recent weeks due to defensive lapses, including an error leading to Aston Villa’s second goal in their previous Premier League encounter. Maresca acknowledged that Donnarumma has been making mistakes but defended his overall contribution, particularly in build-up play. To aid recovery, the manager granted Donnarumma three days off training alongside key players such as Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias, hoping the rest will rejuvenate the squad ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Rulli’s impact on Wednesday night extended beyond the shootout. During regular time, he made a critical fingertip save to deny Georginio Rutter in the second half, preventing Brighton from taking the lead and forcing the match into extra time and eventually penalties. The 34-year-old, who returned to Manchester City from Marseille for £1.7 million this summer, has established himself as a reliable backup since replacing James Trafford, who departed for Leeds United.
Maresca made nine changes to the starting lineup compared to the side that lost to Aston Villa on Saturday. This rotation strategy nearly backfired as Brighton took early leads through goals from Malick Yalcouye and Rutter. However, City responded with equalizers from Mateo Kovacic and Vitor Reis, showcasing resilience despite the significant squad overhaul. The manager noted that Brighton’s aggressive man-to-man pressing made it difficult for City to maintain possession, requiring tactical adjustments throughout the match.
The decision to rest Donnarumma appears calculated rather than reactive to Rulli’s performance. Maresca stated clearly that Rulli understands his role as understudy and that there is no pressure on Donnarumma’s spot. The manager reiterated this stance both before and after the match, confirming that Donnarumma would start in the upcoming Premier League game against Brighton. This approach suggests a long-term view of squad management rather than immediate panic over recent defensive vulnerabilities.
Rulli’s history with penalty shootouts adds weight to his performance. He famously scored a penalty and saved one from David de Gea in the 2021 Europa League final for Villarreal against Manchester United. His previous stint at City during the 2016-17 season did not result in first-team appearances, but his return has been viewed as a shrewd acquisition by the club. His ability to perform under pressure provides Maresca with valuable depth, even if it does not threaten Donnarumma’s primary status.
Looking ahead, Manchester City will face Bradford City in the quarter-finals. The path forward appears somewhat clearer after rivals Chelsea and Arsenal were eliminated from the competition. Maresca expressed ambition to retain the trophy, noting that despite being a new project with new players and a manager only three months into his tenure, the goal remains winning games. The team has lost only once under Maresca in competitive matches, excluding the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.
The managerial transition at Manchester City continues to show stability despite occasional setbacks. Maresca’s record includes losses to Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain, but the overall trajectory suggests a solid start. The ability to rotate players effectively while maintaining competitive results in cup competitions indicates a squad depth that can withstand injuries and fatigue. As the season progresses, balancing rest for key stars with performance expectations will remain a central challenge for the coaching staff.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗'He knows his role' - Rulli provides heroics but no worries for Donnarumma
