Manchester City booked their berth in the semifinal of the EFL League Cup with a 2-0 win over Brentford as Rayan Cherki and Savinho netted for Pep Guardiola and Co.
Cherki put City ahead in the 32nd minute with a strike from outside the box, before Savinho assured the Mancunian side a victory with his insurance goal in the 67th minute.
Guardiola, who made as many as seven changes to his side, gave star striker Erling Haaland the night off as his side secured a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions, ahead of the hectic festive Premier League schedule.
“We have had a run of a lot of games for Erling for example and Ruben Dias and the other ones and they have to be ready,” Guardiola said.
“We have to do it give them a rest and we talked a lot
about these days about everyone being connected today,” the Catalan added.
Abdukodir Khusanov was fortunate to receive only a yellow card for his tackle on Kevin Schade when the German appeared poised to score.
Guardiola had to deploy the in-form Phil Foden earlier than expected as the England international replaced the injured Oscar Bobb after just 20 minutes.
However, it was Cherki who broke through Brentford’s defence in style 10 minutes before half-time. The Frenchman gathered a corner cleared to the edge of the box, cut inside onto his right foot, and launched an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
The home side’s second goal came from a stroke of luck as Savinho’s shot deflected off Kristoffer Ajer and looped over Hakon Valdimarsson 20 minutes from time.
City won the League Cup four consecutive years under Guardiola from 2018 to 2021, but this marks the first time in five seasons they have advanced to the last four.
City will face the Magpies in the last four, while Chelsea will take on the winner of Friday’s match between Premier League leaders Arsenal and Crystal Palace.
