Maresca's clear message: "Donnarumma is Man City's number one"

Enzo Maresca praised Geronimo Rulli's match-winning display against Brighton but stressed that he has "no doubt" that Gianluigi Donnarumma is Manchester City's first-choice goalkeeper.

Rulli, who took the gloves as Donnarumma was rested for the EFL Cup 4th round tie at the Etihad Stadium, was the hero as City won 4-3 on penalties after the game finished 2-2 in normal time.

Brighton went ahead twice through Malick Yalcouye and Georginio Rutter, but City drew level each time with goals from Mateo Kovacic and Vitor Reis to take the match to penalties. Kovacic failed to convert his spot-kick in the shootout, but Rulli stepped up, saving from Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk to send his side into the quarter-finals.

Donnarumma has come under criticism for his recent form and made an error that led to a goal in last weekend's defeat to Aston Villa, City's first league loss of the season. Even so, Maresca gave a very clear answer when asked whether Rulli could take over from Donnarumma in goal:

"From my point of view, absolutely not. Rulli works very well, but he knows his role in the team very well, and there is no doubt about that. There is absolutely not the slightest hesitation."

Maresca also reflected on the Argentine goalkeeper's display against Brighton: "Overall he was good, especially in the build-up from the back. It was not easy at all because the opponent pressed aggressively man-to-man. He also made a crucial save during the game and put in a good performance."

The Italian head coach also defended his rotation, having rested Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol, Rúben Dias and Elliot Anderson before bringing on Jeremy Doku and Enzo Fernandez later in the game: "I was very pleased with the way we planned the game and with the rotation. Above all, I am extremely happy with the performance of the players who were out there on the pitch."

Manchester City will host League One side Bradford City in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.