Ryan Cherki Heroics Send Manchester City Into League Cup Semi Finals

Manchester City booked their place in the League Cup semi‑finals with an impressive 2‑0 victory over Brentford in the quarter‑finals on Wednesday, with French midfielder Ryan Cherki delivering a standout performance that set the tone for the win. City will now face defending champions Newcastle United in the last four.

Cherki opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a stunning long‑range strike that curled into the top corner, giving City the lead and energising the hosts at the Etihad Stadium. The goal proved decisive as the Blues asserted control in a match that saw rotation from manager Pep Guardiola, who rested key players including star striker Erling Haaland given the demands of a busy festive fixture schedule.

City’s second goal arrived in the second half when Savinho found the net with a shot that took a deflection off a defender and looped over the Brentford goalkeeper, extending the lead and sealing the comfortable win. The result marked City’s sixth straight victory in all competitions and their first return to the League Cup semi‑finals in five seasons after a period of absence from the competition’s latter stages.

Across the country at St James’ Park, Newcastle United also secured their place in the semis, edging past Fulham 2‑1 thanks to a dramatic late header by Lewis Miley. Newcastle had taken an early lead through Yoane Wissa before Fulham levelled, but Miley’s stoppage‑time winner ensured the Magpies advanced and set up a compelling semi‑final tie against City.

The semi‑final draw also features Chelsea, who progressed with a 3‑1 victory over Cardiff City, and they await the winner of the Arsenal versus Crystal Palace quarter‑final. Both semi‑final ties will be played over two legs early next year, with the final scheduled at Wembley Stadium in March.

City’s progression reflects the depth of Guardiola’s squad and the team’s ongoing ambition to compete on multiple fronts, while Newport’s thrilling win underlines their resilience and desire to defend last season’s trophy. Fans now look ahead to high‑stakes clashes as the competition reaches its concluding stages.