Manchester City 2-0 Brentford: Keith Andrews disappointed with no red card for Khusanov but home side win easily
Pep Guardiola’s much-changed Manchester City side eased past Brentford on Wednesday to secure a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2021.
City’s 2-0 win owed much to a moment of brilliance from Rayan Cherki, whose first-half screamer kept his side comfortable, before Savinho sealed the result after the break. The victory sets up a two-legged semi-final against Newcastle, with the first leg at St James’ Park.
After Brentford made a loose clearance from a corner, Cherki delivered the decisive moment in the 32nd minute, shifting the ball away from his marker and curling a shot into the top corner. In celebration he did first the absent Erling Haaland’s robot dance, then the Norwegian’s yoga pose.
The evening was briefly disrupted by injury to Oscar Bobb, who was forced off early after complaining of a muscular problem. He was replaced by Phil Foden as City continued to dominate possession against a Brentford side set up in a compact back five.
There was controversy midway through the first half when City defender Abdukodir Khusanov brought down Kevin Schade as the forward broke clear. It was only worthy of a yellow card but Brentford head coach Keith Andrews felt more punishment was warranted.
Brentford had measly threats on the counter, with City mostly keeping control over proceedings. Savinho was a constant outlet on both flanks and went close several times before doubling the lead after the hour, racing through on goal and beating Hakon Valdimarsson with the help of a big deflection that looped the ball over the goalkeeper.
Guardiola later withdrew Foden again to give a debut to the 19-year-old Charlie Gray. Haaland, watching from bench on the night, was not needed.
