Cherkis Brilliant Goal Propels Man City to League Cup Semi Finals

Rayan Cherkis magnificent goal set Manchester City en route to the League Cup semi finals after defeating Brentford 2 0 on Wednesday.

With the intense holiday Premier League fixtures approaching, Pep Guardiola rested Erling Haaland as his team claimed a sixth straight win across all tournaments.

Haaland stayed on the substitutes list with seven alterations made by Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

Abdukodir Khusanov earned a seldom opportunity in the lineup and the Uzbekistan centre back was fortunate to receive only a caution for bringing down Kevin Schade as the forward seemed poised to break clear towards goal.

Guardiola had to keep the impressive Phil Foden on the pitch beyond his initial plan since the England star substituted the hurt Oscar Bobb merely 20 minutes into the match.

Yet Cherki elegantly breached Brentfords defensive line ten minutes shy of the interval.

The French talent gathered a corner that had been headed away to the areas periphery, shifted inwards onto his stronger right boot and fired an irrepressible shot high into the upper corner.

The hosts second goal arrived through sheer luck as Savinhos attempt sailed over Hakon Valdimarsson following a ricochet off Kristoffer Ajer with 20 minutes remaining.

Under Guardiolas leadership, City triumphed in the League Cup consecutively for four seasons from 2018 to 2021.

However, reaching the final four marks their first such advancement in five years.

Chelsea secured their spot in the upcoming two legged semi finals next year via a 3 1 victory over Cardiff on Tuesday.

Newcastle or Fulham are set to qualify alongside them later that Wednesday, whereas Arsenal will face Crystal Palace in the remaining quarter final clash the following week.