Manchester City reach League Cup semis, late Newcastle goal downs Fulham
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Manchester City's Savinho celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates.
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LONDON – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was pleased with his players who stepped up in the 2-0 League Cup quarter-final win over Brentford on Dec 17, after making seven changes from the weekend Premier League win over Crystal Palace.
Rayan Cherki’s stunning strike at the Etihad Stadium put the team on their way to the semi-finals, while holders Newcastle United beat Fulham 2-1.
City face the Magpies in the last four, while Chelsea will take on Arsenal or Crystal Palace.
Ahead of the hectic festive Premier League schedule, Guardiola could afford to give star striker Erling Haaland the night off as his side secured a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions.
“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,” the City boss said.
“We have to do it (give them a rest) and we talked a lot about these days about everyone being connected today... I’m a guy who wants to give opportunities to everyone.
“And I’m really pleased with the impact from the guys who came from the bench.
“Everyone who came from the bench did really good. So we are in a semi-final again so really pleased.”
Abdukodir Khusanov was one of those handed a rare start. The Uzbek defender was lucky just to see a yellow card for chopping down Kevin Schade when the German looked set to run through on goal.
Guardiola was forced to field the in-form Phil Foden for longer than he hoped, as the England international replaced the injured Oscar Bobb after just 20 minutes.
But it was Cherki who unlocked the Brentford rearguard action in style 10 minutes before half-time.
The Frenchman collected a corner cleared to the edge of the box, cut inside to his right foot and unleashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner.
The hosts’ second was much more fortunate, as Savinho’s shot looped over Hakon Valdimarsson via a deflection off Kristoffer Ajer 20 minutes from time.
City won the League Cup four years in a row under Guardiola from 2018 to 2021. But this is the first time in five seasons they have progressed to the last four.
Holders Newcastle are back in the semi-finals, thanks to Lewis Miley’s stoppage-time header at St James’ Park.
A dismal performance in losing 1-0 to local rivals Sunderland on Dec 14 heaped the pressure on Eddie Howe’s men to respond.
Yoane Wissa opened his Newcastle account on his first start after just 10 minutes, but Sasa Lukic quickly levelled for the visitors.
The tie appeared destined for penalties until Miley got a flick to Sandro Tonali’s enticing delivery.
Newcastle ended a 70-year wait to win a domestic trophy when they won the League Cup last season and Howe is eager for more.
“It was important to bounce back from Sunderland, to come back in a positive fashion,” he 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 booked their place in the two-legged semi-finals in January and February with a 3-1 win at Cardiff
Arsenal host Palace in the final quarter-final tie on Dec 23. AFP
