Man City Beat Brentford 2-0 to Reach Carabao Cup Semi-Finals

Man City 2-0 Brentford: Cherki and Savinho Fire City Into EFL Cup Semi-Finals

Manchester City cruised into the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a confident 2-0 win over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium, thanks to goals from Rayan Cherki and Savinho.

The result maintains City’s perfect December run, securing their sixth straight victory in all competitions and keeping hopes of domestic silverware alive after a trophy-less 2023-24 season.

Cherki Thunderbolt Sets the Tone

Brentford started brightly but failed to capitalize early, and City’s pressure paid off in the 31st minute when Rayan Cherki unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the box into the top corner.

It was the Frenchman’s fourth goal of the season and a reminder of his growing influence since joining from Lyon.

Earlier, Brentford were left furious when Abdukodir Khusanov received only a yellow card for a professional foul on Kevin Schade, despite protests that the striker was through on goal. With no VAR in operation, the on-field decision stood.

Savinho’s Deflected Strike Seals the Win

City doubled their lead in the 67th minute when Savinho’s shot took a wicked deflection, looping over goalkeeper Valdimarsson to seal the victory.

Youngster Divine Mukasa nearly scored his first senior goal but was denied, while Phil Foden came off the bench and was also thwarted by the impressive Brentford keeper.

Injury Concerns for City

City’s growing injury list may have added another name as Oscar Bobb limped off in the first half, joining Rodri, Doku, and Stones on the sidelines. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri are also away on AFCON duty.

Guardiola will hope for quick recoveries ahead of the Premier League clash with West Ham.

Brentford’s Missed Chance Without VAR

Brentford, who have now lost five of their last six against City, were left to rue the absence of VAR, especially in the first-half Khusanov incident.

Mathias Jensen’s free-kick was well saved by James Trafford, but Brentford failed to break down City’s defence and crashed out at the quarter-final stage for the second straight year.

What’s Next?

• Manchester City: Host West Ham on Saturday in the Premier League

• Brentford: Travel to Wolves on the same day

City will now await the Carabao Cup semi-final draw, scheduled for later on Wednesday.