Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LEAGUE CUP AGUERO IS DRIVEN NUTS
Sergio upstaged by squirrel but scores in shoot-out as Pep’s men squeak through
MANCHESTER CITY survived a penalty shootout to finally see off stubborn Wolves at the Etihad last night.
Pep Guardiola’s freescoring side drew a blank over 120 minutes against the Championship side.
But they held their nerve from the penalty spot as Claudio Bravo saved from Alfred N’diaye and Conor Coady before Sergio Aguero secured a 4-1 success.
It was harsh on Wolves who had battled superbly to frustrate the Premier League leaders.
Guardiola had made nine changes to the side that beat Burnley 3-0 at the weekend, as did opposite number Nuno Espirito Santo, on the back of Wolves’ 3-2 win over Preston.
Wolves arrived at the Etihad leading the Championship by two points, the changes made by Santo confirming his priority remains securing promotion.
Guardiola drafted in youngsters Tosin Adarabioyo and Alex Zinchenko, alongside more experienced figures including Yaya Toure, Danilo, Ikay Gundogan and record-chasing Aguero.
Despite the wholesale changes he made to his starting line-up, Guardiola was still able to field a side that cost an eye-watering £294million.
The pre-match entertainment was enlivened by a squirrel who found its way on the pitch and refused to go quietly, until it was eventually captured after some slapstick efforts from groundstaff. Aguero, chasing the City all-time goalscoring record, conjured the first opportunity after five minutes, his dipping goalbound shot pushed away by Wolves keeper Will Norris.
Five minutes later and Aguero was presented with another chance to find the back of the net, but dragged the ball wide from Raheem Sterling’s cross.
A third chance came Aguero’s way moments later as he blazed a speculative effort over the bar from 20 yards.
Wolves were able to withstand the home pressure and were not without their own chances, striker Bright Enobakhare clipping the ball over from a tight angle in the 32nd minute.
Aguero tested Norris again although the effort was thudded straight at the Wolves keeper, while the City striker snatched the ball wide again four minutes later.
Bravo, making only his second start of the season, came to Mangala’s rescue just before the break after the City defender was muscled off the ball by Enobakhare.
The Wolves striker found himself with only Bravo to beat, but the City keeper was quick off his line to block the shot.
Helder Costa has a chance to put Wolves ahead in the 64th minute, but a poor touch allowed Bravo to smother his effort.
Enobakhare had the chance to win it for Wolves in the second minute of added time but was thwarted by Bravo for the third time, sending the game into extra-time.