Five Things Learned: Manchester City 2-0 Brentford (Carabao Cup) | OneFootball

Manchester City made it six consecutive wins across all competitions as they ran out 2-0 home victors against Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

The clash was not the most enthralling affair in all honesty, but the Blues still came away with a great result in the Manchester downpour against a resilient and well-drilled Brentford side, which saw them progress to the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the first time in five years.

The first significant moment was very nearly a calamitous one for Pep Guardiola’s side, as Kevin Schade managed to slip in behind the City centre-halves, only to be brought to an unceremonious end by the home team’s No.45.

Despite Abdukodir Khusanov being the last man, referee Sam Barrott elected that a yellow card was sufficient, which understandably sparked discourse among Brentford players and staff, as a red card would have no doubt changed the complexion of the game completely.

Shortly after, the home side’s slightly nervy start was made even more difficult following an unfortunate injury to academy graduate Oscar Bobb, as the Norwegian was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury which saw him replaced by fellow academy product Phil Foden.

Despite the disruption of the opening 20 minutes, the home side did not seem flustered in the slightest, as with just over half an hour on the clock, Rayan Cherki produced some individual brilliance that can only be described as sensational.

The Frenchman shifted the ball onto his right foot and unleashed a curling strike from the edge of the box that found the top corner following a poorly defended set piece by Keith Andrews’ side – a simply sublime goal to give his side the lead from a player who shows no sign of slowing down.

As the game progressed, Manchester City were – for large parts – in cruise control as the Bees were far too content to let their opposition have the lion’s share of possession and apply pressure.

Eventually this pressure told, as in the 67th minute the ever-tenacious Savinho looked to launch a counter-attack, driving into the left channel and getting his shot away. The effort seemed tame, but via a rather fortuitous deflection off Kristoffer Ajer, the ball looped over a helpless Valdimarsson and into the back of the Brentford net.

This goal put the game beyond all reasonable doubt, as with just over 20 minutes to play, there was very little the Bees could do to retaliate, and in truth, they had lacked the attacking impetus all night long only mustering three shots – all stopped by James Trafford.

Although it may not have been the most thrilling game, it was a professional performance by the Blues and a huge win in the fight to regain silverware as City progress to the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the first time since the 2020/2021 season, when they last won the trophy.

Here are Five Things We Learned from a vital victory over Brentford which sees Manchester City now take on Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United in a two-legged semi-final tie in 2026.

Rayan Cherki: BARGAIN

Yet again, Rayan Cherki absolutely ran the show with his attacking prowess for all to see. Whether that be his goal – impeccable in itself – or his overall intelligence in the final third, the 22-year-old is proving to be a serious talent and a huge asset to this reinvigorated City side.

Since the No. 10’s recruitment, no Premier League summer signing has more goal contributions across all competitions than him (11) so far this season. The midfielder has only played 17 matches (nine starts), and this metric alone outlines what an incredible player the former Lyon man is. But what makes it even more impressive is the fact Cherki in this current inflated football economy cost just £34 million. Sensational business.

In the early stages of the campaign, many question marks were raised regarding where City’s creativity was going to come from and who would step in to and try to fill the impossibly large chasm left by Kevin De Bruyne. It is safe to say that although he may not be the Belgian, Cherki has answered the creativity query resoundingly, proving four goal contributions in his last five matches in all competitions.

If he continues on this trajectory, he will undoubtedly be invaluable to Pep Guardiola and will prove formidable to all opposition he faces in the future. When asked about Cherki, the Catalan said, “He’s exceptional; he made a fantastic goal. A blind guy or woman can realise – it’s not necessary to be a journalist or manager. It was a fantastic goal. I saw many times with Phil [Foden] this type of goal, Kevin [De Bruyne]. I’m happy he opened the game!”

Abdukodir Khusanov is learning from mistakes

The Uzbek was very lucky not to have cost his team immensely in this tie. He made a rather erratic start, committing needlessly careless challenges – one of which could have seen him dismissed.

Subsequent to that yellow card, his performance improved exponentially as Khusanov was top class in central defence for the hosts, with his recovery pace and sheer physicality being used to great effect to stop Brentford attacks at the source and bar the door to City’s goal, winning 75 per cent of his ground duels and making five clearances.

Despite the fact there may be controversy in regard to if he should have remained on the pitch, what is important is he realised his error, learnt from it, and was significantly more composed from that moment onwards, defensively solid for the remainder of the match.

Yes, there is a slight element of recklessness to Khusanov’s game, but you cannot overlook the fact this can be corrected over time. He is 21 years of age and has only been in the country for the best part of a year. He most definitely has the attributes to be a top Premier League defender. Be patient, Blues!

Oscar Bobb: Unfortunate

First-team minutes have been few and far between for the Norway international due to both form and fitness issues, so this fixture was a huge opportunity, and to watch him forced off after just under 20 minutes – during which he was rather positive – was a sad sight.

Bobb was explosive in 2024’s pre-season and looked to be set to make his mark on the first team in the campaign, but an innocuous leg fracture in training brought aspirations to an unceremonious and unfortunate end. Since that significant injury, the 22-year-old has not been able to get back fit and firing for Pep Guardiola, which has left his future uncertain.

Recently, reports linking Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo to City as a January transfer have intensified through a £65 million release clause that becomes active in winter. These rumours have been sparked amid fears that Pep Guardiola’s current depth out wide is not providing enough in terms of output – which may be why Hugo Viana is exploring other options.

This does, however, mean speculation has begun in regard to Oscar Bobb and if he will remain at the club much longer. Regardless of rumours, Bobb still remains a City player until officially declared otherwise and most definitely has the ability to make it at the club if he can stay available and find form.

Savinho is starting to find form

Savinho was integral on Wednesday as he carried out his best performance this season; not only did he get his goal – albeit via a deflection – but he was a constant threat, looking to cause problems and be direct whilst simultaneously showcasing a superb work ethic, completing the most dribbles of any player (7) whilst also winning the most duels (11).

This term, City’s No.26 perhaps rightfully faced criticism for his performances simply not being up to the near-perfect standards upheld. The Brazilian has registered just four goal contributions in 20 appearances – not adequate output for a team challenging for titles.

In recent times, however, there has been a welcome improvement, and it is clearly visible he is playing with more confidence. The winger has always worked hard off the ball, but the creativity levels have also increased, whether that be against Brentford – where he proved to be a relentless problem for Michael Kayode and got a much-needed goal – or his energetic and dynamic cameos against Crystal Palace and Real Madrid.

Savinho seems to be finding an upturn in form when he is needed most; as with Jeremy Doku, Oscar Bobb and Omar Marmoush all unavailable in the coming weeks, it is vital he steps up to the plate for the Blues.

When asked about Savinho in the post-match press conference, Pep Guardiola stated, “What I like about Savinho is he’s always digging, digging, going, going, going all the time, all the time!

“The final decision can be better, of course, but there’s always reward with this work ethic, especially that he goes, and he goes all the time… Last season he played a lot, a lot of minutes with us.

“Sometimes this season we don’t play with proper wingers; maybe he plays less, but we trust a lot. He’s young and can play on the right and left sides. And he’s a player that is so aggressive, and with time he will improve his final decision and will become a top, top-class player!”

One step closer to silverware!

It was not a particularly flashy performance from Pep Guardiola’s side, but instead an expert display where City were able to rotate and rest players amidst this hectic Christmas period whilst also progressing comfortably into the semi-finals and keeping a clean sheet.

Next up is a two-legged tie against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, with a trip to St James’ Park being first on the agenda before the Magpies visit the Etihad Stadium for the return leg in February. A very tough fixture against well-drilled opposition, but City are veterans of this competition and will be no strangers to the format and quality required to progress.

The priority now, however, is the return to Premier League action on Saturday when the residents of the Etihad Stadium welcome West Ham to home turf, hoping to close the gap on division leaders Arsenal and make it seven wins on the bounce for the Blues.