London: Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was the Premier League leaders’ hero as they beat Championship leaders Wolves in a penalty shoot-out 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 criticised 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 shoot-out where the kicks were taken using the ABBA formula.
Sergio Aguero, just one goal away from becoming City’s all-time leading goalscorer, sealed a 4-1 shoot-out success with a cheeky Panenka chipped penalty.
But as the Argentina striker’s effort was scored in a shoot-out he remains level with Eric Brook’s City record of 177 goals for the Manchester club that has stood since 1939.
Arsenal, who changed their entire side from the 11 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 equalised 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. — AFP
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