Cherki inspires Man City, Newcastle strike late to reach League Cup semis

A brilliant goal from Rayan Cherki helped Manchester City progress to the League Cup semi-finals following a 2-0 victory against Brentford, as the defending champions Newcastle overcame Fulham 2-1 on Wednesday.

Manchester City will encounter the Magpies in the final four, whereas Chelsea are scheduled to face either Arsenal or Crystal Palace.

With the busy holiday period in the Premier League approaching, Pep Guardiola managed to rest Erling Haaland while his team achieved a sixth straight win across all competitions.

Haaland remained on the substitutes bench as part of seven alterations made by Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

"We have played numerous matches recently for players like Erling, Ruben Dias and others, so they need to stay prepared," Guardiola explained.

"We must provide them with breaks, and we have discussed extensively in recent days how important it is for the whole squad to stay united right now."

Abdukodir Khusanov received a rare opportunity in the starting lineup, and the Uzbekistan defender was fortunate to only receive a yellow card after fouling Kevin Schade, who seemed poised to break through on goal.

Guardiola had to keep the talented Phil Foden on the pitch longer than planned, as the England player came on for the injured Oscar Bobb after only 20 minutes.

However, it was Cherki who elegantly broke down Brentfords defence ten minutes before the interval.

The French player picked up a corner that had been cleared to the edge of the penalty area, moved inside onto his stronger right foot, and fired an unerring shot into the upper corner of the net.

The hosts second goal arrived through sheer luck, as Savinhos attempt deflected off Kristoffer Ajer and looped over goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson with 20 minutes remaining.

Under Guardiola, Manchester City claimed the League Cup for four successive years from 2018 to 2021.

Yet this marks the first occasion in five years that they have reached the semi-final stage.

Newcastle returned to the semi-finals courtesy of Lewis Mileys header in added time at St James Park.

Following a poor 1-0 defeat to local opponents Sunderland on Sunday, the spotlight intensified on Eddie Howes team to deliver a strong response.

Yoane Wissa netted his debut goal for Newcastle on his initial start after just ten minutes, though Sasa Lukic soon equalised for the away side.

The match seemed headed towards a penalty shootout until Miley connected with Sandro Tonali's inviting cross.

Newcastle lifted their first domestic trophy in 70 years by winning the League Cup last season, and Howe is keen to add to their collection.

"It mattered to recover from the Sunderland loss and return with positivity," he commented.

"We aim to stay in contention and claim silverware, especially this competition where we gained valuable lessons last year and hope to repeat the success."

Chelsea secured their spot in the two-legged semi-finals scheduled for early next year via a 3-1 triumph over Cardiff on Tuesday.

Arsenal will welcome Palace in the remaining quarter-final clash next week.