Rayan Cherki Shines As Guardiola Hails Talent After City Beat Brentford In EFL Cup

Manchester City reach the EFL Cup semi-finals after a 2-0 win over Brentford, highlighted by Rayan Cherki's outstanding opener and strong displays from several teammates. Pep Guardiola praises Cherki's influence near goal, while Brentford head coach Keith Andrews questions a key refereeing decision.

Cherki breaks the deadlock in the 32nd minute at Etihad Stadium with a precise finish. The forward controls near the edge of the box, shifts the ball onto the weaker right foot, and curls into the top-right corner, leaving Brentford goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson with no chance.

Manchester City's second goal arrives on 67 minutes through Savinho, whose shot takes a decisive deflection. The Brazilian drives into the area, shoots, and the effort hits

a sliding Kristoffer Ajer before looping over Valdimarsson, effectively ending Brentford's hopes of a comeback.

Cherki continues a strong start in a Manchester City shirt across all competitions in 2025-26. Only Erling Haaland, with 30 goal involvements, and Phil Foden, with 18, have more than Cherki's 13. The Frenchman is increasingly central to Guardiola's attacking plans in domestic and European matches.

Against Brentford, Cherki remains a constant threat in possession. Savinho registers four shots to Cherki's three and attempts 12 dribbles to Cherki's three, yet Guardiola still highlights Cherki's influence close to goal, where space is tight and decision-making often decides cup ties.

"Close to the 18-yard box of the opponent, he is an exceptional player,Guardiola said. It was a fantastic goal. A blind guy, a blind woman can realise it is not necessary to be a journalist or a manager to realise he is a fantastic, fantastic player. I saw it many times with Phil [Foden]this type of goal, with Kevin [De Bruyne]before, so I am happy that it opened the game. "

Savinho strengthens the case for more regular starts, having begun only 12 of 23 matches in all competitions in 2025-26. Both goals this season for Savinho arrive in the EFL Cup, underlining the winger's impact when given extended minutes in Guardiola's rotated line-ups.

Across the quarter-final, Savinho posts team-leading figures in several categories. The Brazilian records four shots, seven successful dribbles, seven touches in the opposition box and wins 11 duels. Such numbers show consistent involvement in attacking phases and repeated attempts to stretch Brentford's defensive shape.

"What I like is that he is always going all the time,Guardiola added on Savinho's performance.The final decision can be better but always as a reward for his work ethic, and he goes, and he goes all the time. "

Brentford rarely threaten James Trafford's goal during the match. The visitors register only three attempts and finish with an expected goals figure of 0.1. Manchester City's defensive structure deals with crosses and through balls, leaving Trafford with a largely comfortable evening in this EFL Cup tie.

Player / Team	Statistic	Value
Rayan Cherki	Goal involvements in 2025-26 (all competitions)	13
Erling Haaland	Goal involvements in 2025-26 (all competitions)	30
Phil Foden	Goal involvements in 2025-26 (all competitions)	18
Savinho vs Brentford	Shots / Successful dribbles	4 / 7
Savinho vs Brentford	Touches in opposition box / Duels won	7 / 11
Brentford team	Expected goals (xG) vs Manchester City	0.1

EFL Cup flashpoint: Manchester City decision questioned by Brentford

The key talking point for Brentford comes in the 16th minute. Abdukodir Khusanov brings down Kevin Schade when last defender, yet receives only a yellow card. Andrews argues the challenge denies a clear chance, which, in Brentford's view, should result in dismissal.

"I'm very quick to defend officials generally, it's such a difficult job, but that was one they didnt get right,Andrews said of the decision. The explanation was that the touch being too far away from goal doesn't quite sit well with me after watching it back because he's clean through on goal. If it's a red card, it's a big advantage for us obviously, but we'll never know. "

Despite the defeat, Andrews finds positives in Brentford's performance against Manchester City in the EFL Cup. The coach notes the short preparation window after facing Leeds and points to tactical changes in build-up play and pressing, which the players apply with discipline.

"We showed a lot of courage, a lot of conviction and bravery in how we played and we had to We were missing some players from the front line. We had one day's prep after Leeds where we changed the system, how we built, how we pressed. It's testament to the players, how intelligent they are, how adaptable they are and how versatile they are. I felt there were moments where we could have punished City, we just didn't quite take the extra pass, but we restricted them to very little. "

Manchester City now move into the EFL Cup semi-finals with Cherki and Savinho both strengthening their roles in Guardiola's squad. Brentford exit the competition after a committed display, feeling frustrated by the Khusanov incident but encouraged by signs of tactical flexibility and resilience.