Manchester City reached the EFL Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2021 after a 2-0 victory over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium, marking their sixth straight win in all competitions this season.
Rayan Cherki opened the scoring in the 31st minute, controlling a loose ball before firing a powerful strike from 20 yards into the top-right corner. The Lyon summer signing now has 11 goal contributions in 17 appearances this season, with four goals and seven assists. Cherki made five touches inside the Brentford penalty area, three of which were shots, during his 66 minutes on the pitch.
City manager Pep Guardiola praised Cherki’s performance, comparing his finishing to that of Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne.
Early in the match, Oscar Bobb was forced off injured before the 20-minute mark, bringing Foden into action. With Jeremy Doku already sidelined, Guardiola may need to rely heavily on Foden and Cherki during the busy festive period. Substitutes Josko Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes, and Bernardo Silva were introduced in the second half to maintain City’s control.
City doubled their lead in the 67th minute when Savinho’s shot deflected off Kristoffer Ajer and looped over Brentford goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson. Guardiola described Savinho as a versatile and aggressive talent who could develop into a top-class player.
The remainder of the match was largely controlled by City, who also handed 19-year-old midfielder Charlie Gray his first-team debut.
City will host West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday and have the chance to apply pressure on league leaders Arsenal, who play later the same day. Brentford, suffering their fifth successive away defeat, travel to bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. Manager Keith Andrews explained that squad changes, including the absence of leading scorer Igor Thiago, were due to the Africa Cup of Nations and minor injuries.
Manchester City now await their semi-final tie against Newcastle United, moving a step closer to another Wembley appearance in the Carabao Cup.
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