Five Things Learned: Manchester City 2-0 Brentford (Carabao Cup)

Story byFive Things Learned: Manchester City 2-0 Brentford (Carabao Cup)City XtraThu, December 18, 2025 at 11:29 AM UTC·9 min readManchester City made it six consecutive wins across all competitions as they ran out 2-0 home victors against Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. The clash was not the most enthralling affair in all honesty, but the Blues still came away with a great result in the Manchester downpour against a resilient and well-drilled Brentford side, which saw them progress to the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the first time in five years. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe first significant moment was very nearly a calamitous one for Pep Guardiola’s side, as Kevin Schade managed to slip in behind the City centre-halves, only to be brought to an unceremonious end by the home team’s No.45. Despite Abdukodir Khusanov being the last man, referee Sam Barrott elected that a yellow card was sufficient, which understandably sparked discourse among Brentford players and staff, as a red card would have no doubt changed the complexion of the game completely. Shortly after, the home side’s slightly nervy start was made even more difficult following an unfortunate injury to academy graduate Oscar Bobb, as the Norwegian was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury which saw him replaced by fellow academy product Phil Foden. Despite the disruption of the opening 20 minutes, the home side did not seem flustered in the slightest, as with just over half an hour on the clock, Rayan Cherki produced some individual brilliance that can only be described as sensational. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Frenchman shifted the ball onto his right foot and unleashed a curling strike from the edge of the box that found the top corner following a poorly defended set piece by Keith Andrews’ side – a simply sublime goal to give his side the lead from a player who shows no sign of slowing down. As the game progressed, Manchester City were – for large parts – in cruise control as the Bees were far too content to let their opposition have the lion’s share of possession and apply pressure. Eventually this pressure told, as in the 67th minute the ever-tenacious Savinho looked to launch a counter-attack, driving into the left channel and getting his shot away. The effort seemed tame, but via a rather fortuitous deflection off Kristoffer Ajer, the ball looped over a helpless Valdimarsson and into the back of the Brentford net. This goal put the game beyond all reasonable doubt, as with just over 20 minutes to play, there was very little the Bees could do to retaliate, and in truth, they had lacked the attacking impetus all night long only mustering three shots – all stopped by James Trafford. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAlthough it may not have been the most thrilling game, it was a professional performance by the Blues and a huge win in the fight to regain silverware as City progress to the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the first time since the 2020/2021 season, when they last won the trophy. Here are Five Things We Learned from a vital victory over Brentford which sees Manchester City now take on Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United in a two-legged semi-final tie in 2026. Rayan Cherki: BARGAINYet again, Rayan Cherki absolutely ran the show with his attacking prowess for all to see. Whether that be his goal – impeccable in itself – or his overall intelligence in the final third, the 22-year-old is proving to be a serious talent and a huge asset to this reinvigorated City side. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSince the No.