Rayan Cherki’s curling shot into the top corner and his robot-style celebration earned him a standing ovation as Manchester City defeated Brentford 2-0 in the English League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.
The Goal and the Celebration
Cherki, who joined City from Lyon last season, curled a fine finish into the upper corner in the 32nd minute, giving the changed-up side a lead. He followed the strike with a series of robot moves before sitting cross-legged in a yoga pose, echoing teammate Erling Haaland’s own goal celebrations. The goal was described as one that “Messi would have been proud of,” with Cherki collecting a headed clearance, deceiving an opponent, switching to his right foot and whipping the ball into the top corner.
City’s Path to the Semifinals
In the same match, Savinho added a second goal in the 67th minute, his shot aided by a huge deflection that looped over Brentford goalkeeper Hákon Valdimarsson. Haaland was named on the bench but did not take the field; he was seen shaking Cherki’s hand when the midfielder was substituted in the second half. With the win, City advanced to the last four of the League Cup for the first time since 2021, the year it won the competition for the fourth straight season and the eighth overall.
Newcastle’s Late Winner
Meanwhile, Newcastle United secured a 2-1 victory over Fulham in the other quarter-final. Miley headed a corner in the second minute of added-on time, sealing the win as the match seemed headed for a penalty shootout. Yoane Wissa, who had returned from a long-term injury, opened the scoring in the 10th minute with his first goal since moving from Brentford. Saša Lukić equalised for Fulham in the 16th minute. Newcastle’s defense was stretched by injuries, with Miley playing as an emergency right back and full-back Tino Livramento suffering a knee problem midway through the second half. “It doesn’t look good,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said. “The fact he came off is a worrying sign and we’re so stretched in that area.”
Chelsea’s Progress
Chelsea reached the semifinals after a 3-1 win over third-tier Cardiff City on Tuesday. The club will face either Arsenal or Crystal Palace in the other semifinal matchup, with the quarter-finals concluding next week when Arsenal hosts Palace on Tuesday.
Upcoming Semifinals
City’s next opponent will be defending champions Newcastle, who scored the decisive stoppage-time goal. Chelsea will face the winner of the Arsenal-vs-Crystal Palace tie. The League Cup will therefore feature City versus Newcastle and Chelsea versus the Arsenal/Crystal Palace winner in the final four.
Key Takeaways
- Rayan Cherki’s 32nd-minute goal and celebratory robot moves secured a 2-0 win for City over Brentford.
- Savinho’s deflected 67th-minute goal and Haaland’s handshake marked City’s first last-four appearance since 2021.
- Newcastle’s late header by Miley gave them a 2-1 victory over Fulham, while Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Cardiff City set up their semifinal spot.
Manchester City’s triumph and the dramatic outcomes of the other quarter-finals set the stage for a thrilling final four in the English League Cup.
