Bravo stars as Man City see off Wolves
United knock out Swansea in League Cup as Mourinho reaches milestone
Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was the Premier League leaders’ hero as they beat Championship tabletoppers Wolverhampton Wanderers in a penalty shootout to book their place in the quarterfinals of the English League Cup on Tuesday.
Despite chances at both ends, the Etihad Stadium clash was still scoreless after 30 minutes of extra time, sending the tie to spot kicks.
Bravo, much criticized after some unconvincing displays last season and making just his third appearance of this campaign, saved successive penalties from Alfred N’Diaye and Conor Coady in a shootout where the kicks were taken using the ABBA formula.
Sergio Aguero, just one goal away from becoming City’s all-time leading goal scorer, sealed a 4-1 shootout success with a cheeky Panenka penalty.
But as the Argentina striker’s effort was scored in a shootout, he remains level with Eric Brook’s City record of 177 goals for the Manchester club that has stood since 1939.
“Last season was not easy for Bravo, but he is a goalkeeper of a high level,” said Pep Guardiola, the City manager. “He deserved that performance.”
Arsenal, who changed their entire side from the lineup that beat Everton 5-2 in the Premier League last weekend, were five minutes away from losing to second-tier Norwich City at the Emirates.
But England Under-19 striker Eddie Nketiah equalized for the Gunners just 15 seconds after coming off the bench to send the game into extra time at 1-1 with his first senior goal after Josh Murphy’s chip had given the visitors the lead.
And the 18-year-old Nketiah ensured Arsene Wenger’s men would be in the quarterfinal draw when he headed home the winner.
Premier League basement club Crystal Palace were knocked out after suffering a 4-1 loss away to Bristol City despite taking the lead at Ashton Gate.
Bakary Sako put the Eagles ahead in the 21st minute. But second-tier Bristol City hit back through goals from Matt Taylor, Milan Djuric, Joe Bryan and Callum O’Dowda.
Elsewhere, Jesse Lingard scored twice as League Cup holders Manchester United saw off Premier League rivals Swansea 2-0 in south Wales, and Jose Mourinho’s men bounced back from a shock league defeat by Huddersfield.
This result gave Mourinho a win in his 400th game in the English game and he told Sky Sports, “Of course I still get the same thrill from it, but 2004 was a long time ago.”
“I am more mature and have a different way to react to things,” the Portuguese manager added. “I’m the same. I want to win and I hate losing.”