Man City beat Brentford 2-0 and Newcastle edge Fulham 2-1 to reach the League Cup semi-finals, setting up a clash between the two clubs
RAYAN CHERKI’S stunning strike helped Manchester City secure a 2-0 victory over Brentford to reach the League Cup semi-finals.
Holders Newcastle United joined them by beating Fulham 2-1 with a late Lewis Miley header at St. James’ Park.
The results set up a semi-final clash between City and Newcastle, while Chelsea await the winner of Arsenal versus Crystal Palace.
Pep Guardiola made seven changes for City, resting Erling Haaland ahead of a busy festive 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.
Phil Foden was introduced earlier than planned after Oscar Bobb suffered an injury in the 20th minute.
Cherki broke the deadlock in style 10 minutes before half-time, cutting inside and firing an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
City’s second goal came via a deflection, with Savinho’s shot looping over Brentford goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson off Kristoffer Ajer.
The victory marks City’s first League Cup semi-final appearance in five seasons, having last won the competition four years in a row between 2018 and 2021.
At Newcastle, Yoane Wissa scored on his first start for the club after just 10 minutes.
Fulham’s Sasa Lukic quickly equalised, and the tie seemed headed for penalties until stoppage time.
Miley then met Sandro Tonali’s delivery with a decisive header to send Newcastle through.
Manager Eddie Howe emphasised the importance of responding after a disappointing loss to rivals Sunderland.
“It was important to bounce back from Sunderland, to come back in a positive fashion,” Howe said.
“We want to be competitive and win trophies – this one we had a great experience last year we want to do that again.”
Chelsea had already secured their semi-final spot with a 3-1 win at Cardiff on Tuesday. – AFP
