Manchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a controlled 2–0 victory over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, as goals from Rayan Cherki and Savinho capped a professional performance from Pep Guardiola’s rotated side.
Despite resting several senior stars — including Erling Haaland, who started on the bench — City showed their depth and quality to overcome a stubborn Brentford team and keep their domestic trophy hopes alive.
First-Half Breakthrough: Cherki’s Thunderbolt
City dominated possession from the opening whistle, patiently probing Brentford’s defensive shape. The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute, and it came in spectacular fashion.
Rayan Cherki, City’s £34 million summer signing from Lyon, unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box that flew past the goalkeeper and into the net. The Etihad erupted as the Frenchman celebrated another statement moment in sky blue.
Pep Guardiola later joked post-match that it was “a fantastic goal — a blind guy can see it,” summing up the sheer quality of the finish.
Youthful City Side Delivers
Guardiola opted for a youthful and experimental lineup, handing opportunities to emerging talents while maintaining control of the game. James Trafford started in goal and looked assured, dealing calmly with Brentford’s limited attacking moments.
City’s midfield dictated the tempo, recycling possession efficiently and preventing Brentford from building sustained pressure. The visitors remained disciplined but struggled to create clear chances against City’s well-organised structure.
Second-Half Control and Savinho Seals It
Brentford showed more intent after the break, but City never lost their grip on the match. The decisive second goal came in the 67th minute, when Savinho’s effort took a deflection on its way into the net, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and effectively ending the contest.
From that point on, City managed the game expertly, slowing the tempo and limiting Brentford to half-chances as the clock ticked down.
Cherki’s Impact Continues
The win further underlined Rayan Cherki’s outstanding start to life in England. The French playmaker now tops the Premier League new-signing charts with 11 goal contributions in 17 appearances, a remarkable return that highlights his growing influence in Guardiola’s system.
His creativity, confidence, and ability to decide games from midfield are quickly making him a key figure as City continue their push for silverware on multiple fronts.
What’s Next for Manchester City?
With this victory, Manchester City advance to the Carabao Cup semi-finals, where they are set to face Newcastle United in a highly anticipated clash. Guardiola will be encouraged by the performance of his rotated squad, proving that City’s depth remains one of their biggest strengths.
For Brentford, the focus now shifts back to league action as they look to regroup after a disciplined but ultimately fruitless outing at the Etihad.
Full-Time Score
Manchester City 2–0 Brentford
⚽ Cherki (32’)
⚽ Savinho (67’)
City march on — and with form players like Cherki stepping up, the road to Wembley is very much alive.
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