Manchester City 2-0 Brentford: Report, result and goals as Cherki stunner helps City reach Carabao Cup semi-finals

Manchester City secured safe passage into the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win over fellow Premier League side Brentford at the Etihad.

Rayan Cherki put City ahead with a stunning goal before half-time before Savinho’s deflected strike with just over 20 minutes to play ended Brentford’s hopes of a comeback sealed a comfortable win.

Wednesday’s game was not without its controversy, though, with Abdukodir Khusanov lucky to escape a red card in the first half after denying Kevin Schade a goalscoring opportunity, with referee only deeming it worthy of a yellow and VAR not in operation in the Carabao Cup.

The eight-time winners have the chance to reach their first EFL Cup final since 2021 as they go into the hat for the two-legged semi-final tie, which will take place in January.

Cherki shows his quality

The game lacked much energy and tempo in the opening stages, with Brentford probably making the better start, but the first opening of note came the way of Oscar Bobb, who took advantage of a slip by Rico Henry before cutting inside and shooting, only for his effort to be straight at the goalkeeper.

Brentford had right to feel aggrieved shortly after when Khusanov brought down Kevin Schade as he burst through on goal, with the yellow card brandished perhaps lenient for a challenge which appeared to deny a goalscoring opportunity.

Mathias Jensen struck the resulting free-kick well but it was comfortably beaten away by James Trafford.

City began to up the ante with both Rayan Cherki and Tijani Reijnders letting fly from distance before the former provided a much-needed moment of quality to put the hosts ahead with a stunning goal.

After a corner was headed away, Cherki took one touch to set himself on the edge of the box before shifting onto his right foot and unleashing a superb strike into the top corner.

City cruise into semi-finals

Brentford impressed after the break but struggled to convert their possession into chances of note, with Kristoffer Ajer stinging the palms of Trafford from distance.

The Bees pressure led Pep Guardiola to freshen things up with Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes and Josko Gvardiol entering the fray just past the hour mark as City looked to maintain their advantage.

Just before their introduction, Phil Foden – an early first-half sub – forced a great save from the Brentford goalkeeper after doing well to keep his shot down on the run.

Moments later, it appeared as though City had secured their place in the hat when Savinho doubled their advantage when his left-footed effort after a positive drive took a huge deflection and looped over Valdimarsson.

City had a stranglehold on this competition during the early years of Pep Guardiola’s reign but they have reached the semi-finals for the first time since the 2020-21 season, when they went on to win the competition for the eighth time.