Cherki moment of quality carries Man City past Brentford | OneFootball

Man City progress as Cherki lights up Carabao Cup night against Brentford

Manchester City’s relationship with the Carabao Cup has been complicated by success elsewhere, but nights like this still matter. Under slick floodlights and in awkward conditions, Man City found clarity through quality, dispatching Brentford 2-0 to reach the semi finals and extend a December run that continues to gather momentum.

The competition may sit behind larger ambitions, yet its capacity to reveal depth, confidence and rhythm remains undiminished. For City, this was another evening where solutions emerged calmly, even when the contest threatened to tilt in a different direction.

Cherki provides spark and control

Brentford began with purpose, pressing high and unsettling City’s rhythm early on. That energy was briefly punctured when Rayan Cherki announced himself with authority. Having already tested Hakon Valdimarsson with a rising effort, the French forward adjusted, assessed, and then struck.

Picking up possession on the edge of the area, Cherki shifted onto his right foot and unleashed a ferocious drive that flew high into the top corner. It was a goal of conviction and confidence, a reminder of why City were so keen to invest patience in his adaptation.

That moment shifted the balance. City did not dominate in waves, but they controlled the emotional temperature of the game. Cherki’s fourth goal of the campaign felt less like a flourish and more like confirmation that he is settling into this environment.

Brentford frustration without VAR

Before that breakthrough, Brentford believed the contest should have taken a different path. Abdukodir Khusanov escaped with a yellow card after tripping Kevin Schade close to the edge of the box, a decision that incensed the visitors who felt their forward was clean through on goal.

With no video assistant referee in operation, Sam Barrott’s call remained final. Keith Andrews could only watch as appeals fell flat. Mathias Jensen’s resulting free kick was well struck but repelled by James Trafford, another moment where promise failed to turn into substance.

Brentford continued to threaten. Kristoffer Ajer forced a superb save from Trafford, while City needed Valdimarsson to deny Nico O’Reilly at range. The margins stayed narrow until City nudged them wider.

Savinho seals semi final place

The second goal arrived on 67 minutes and carried a sense of inevitability. Savinho’s effort took a decisive deflection, looping over Valdimarsson and dropping into the net. It was not as dramatic as Cherki’s opener, but it closed the evening decisively.

Pep Guardiola rotated with intent. Erling Haaland remained on the bench, Divine Mukasa led the line with enthusiasm, and Phil Foden’s introduction almost produced another goal. The only concern came with Oscar Bobb’s first half injury, adding to an already crowded treatment room.

For Brentford, elimination at the quarter final stage again will sting, particularly given the decisions and moments that drifted away. For Man City, a two legged semi final against Newcastle now awaits, another step closer to Wembley and another sign that momentum is building quietly but relentlessly.