Manchester City ’s back-up goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli saved two spot-kicks as the holders beat Brighton 4-3 on penalties to edge into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

The Argentinian denied Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk as City prevailed at the Etihad Stadium after twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 in a compelling tie between two much-changed sides.

Brighton had taken the lead through Malick Yalcouye after 30 minutes but Mateo Kovacic – who later missed a penalty in the shootout – levelled for City before the break.

Geronimo Rulli made two saves in the shootout to take Manchester City through (Reuters)

The impressive Georginio Rutter put the visitors back in front and then hit the bar but City took the contest to penalties after Vitor Reis diverted in a Rayan Cherki free-kick.

Enzo Maresca had made nine changes to the City side beaten at Aston Villa, with Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ruben Dias, Elliot Anderson and Josko Gvardiol not involved at all after being given brief holidays.

Brighton…