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Maresca Reveals Man City Did Not Practise Penalties Before Brighton Win

Posted : 29 October 2026

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has revealed that his players had not practised penalty kicks since he took charge of the club, despite their dramatic shoot-out victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup on Wednesday.

City advanced to the quarter-finals after winning 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli proved decisive, saving efforts from Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk to help the holders secure their place in the last eight.

Despite Mateo Kovacic missing his spot-kick, City converted four penalties through Phil Foden, Enzo Fernandez, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki. Maresca expressed satisfaction with his players' composure, insisting that the team had not worked on penalties during training since his arrival in the summer.

The contest was fiercely competitive, with Brighton taking the lead through Malick Yalcouye before Kovacic equalised ahead of the interval. Georginio Rutter restored the visitors' advantage shortly after the restart, but City fought back again when a Rayan Cherki free-kick deflected off Vitor Reis and found the net.

With neither side able to find a winner during normal time, the match proceeded to a shoot-out, where Rulli's heroics proved crucial. Maresca also praised the goalkeeper's overall performance, highlighting his contribution during open play and his composure in possession.

The City manager also credited Doku for making an impact after coming off the bench. The Belgian winger helped inject energy into City's attack as the home side searched for a late equaliser.

Maresca made nine changes to his starting line-up, resting several key players, including Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol. He maintained that he was pleased with his rotation strategy and the performances of those given an opportunity.

The victory also offered City a timely response after their unbeaten start to the Premier League season ended with a defeat against Aston Villa. They will now face Bradford City in the League Cup quarter-finals, while Brighton will have an immediate opportunity to respond when the sides meet again in the league on Saturday.

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