Manchester City advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a composed 2-0 victory over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium, courtesy of goals from Rayan Cherki and Savinho.
Pep Guardiola fielded a much-changed side, resting key figures such as Erling Haaland while giving opportunities to emerging talents.
The hosts controlled proceedings from the outset, though the first notable incident came when Oscar Bobb was forced off through injury after quarter of an hour, replaced by Phil Foden.
Brentford threatened sporadically, and Abdukodir Khusanov was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card for a last-man challenge on Kevin Schade.
City broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute through Cherki, the summer signing from Lyon cutting inside before curling a superb right-footed effort into the top corner.
The visitors emerged with greater intent after the interval, forcing saves from James Trafford through Kristoffer Ajer and Michael Kayode. Yet Manchester City remained resolute, and the tie was settled in the 67th minute when Savinho broke clear on the counter-attack, his shot deflecting off Ajer to loop over the stranded Hakon Valdimarsson.
Guardiola’s team, who have won this competition four times in the past six seasons, now face Newcastle United in the semi-finals over two legs next month. Brentford, under interim management following Thomas Frank’s departure, showed resilience but lacked the cutting edge to trouble a disciplined City defence.
Cherki, increasingly influential since his arrival, continues to impress with moments of genuine quality, while Savinho’s contribution underlined the depth available to Guardiola as the congested fixture schedule intensifies.
(Word count: 312)
