Rayan Cherki recreated teammate Erling Haaland’s goal celebration after firing a superb shot into the top corner of Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Brentford in the English League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.
The France playmaker gave a much-changed City team the lead in the 32nd minute before pulling off some robotic moves and sitting cross-legged in a yoga pose.
With his tricks, skills and great technique, Cherki has already proven himself to be a fan favorite in his first season in Manchester from Lyon. In this month’s win over Sunderland, Cherki fired a “rabona” cross that Phil Foden headed home, but the manager urged City manager Josep Guardiola to play “simple” like Lionel Messi, prompting City manager Josep Guardiola to step down.
Messi was proud of his goal against Brentford. Cherki picked up a headed clearance on the edge of the box, switched the ball to his right foot, fooled his opponents and fired a shot into the top corner.
Sabinho added City’s second goal in the 67th minute. The shot was aided by a huge deflection and went over Brentford goalkeeper Haakon Valdimarsson.
Haaland came on as a substitute in the game but did not play, and was seen shaking hands with Cherki when the midfielder was substituted in the second half.
City have advanced to the last four of the League Cup for the first time since 2021, when they won the League Cup for the fourth consecutive season and eighth time in total.
Newcastle’s late winner
Newcastle needed a stoppage-time goal from Lewis Miley to beat Fulham 2-1 and advance to the semi-finals to defend their title.
Just when it looked like the game was going to go to penalties, Miley scored a header from a corner kick in the second minute of stoppage time.
Yoan Ouissa, who has just returned from a long-term injury, scored his first goal since joining from Brentford in the summer to put Newcastle ahead in the 10th minute. Saša Lukic scored the equalizing goal for Fulham in the 16th inning.
Chelsea are already in the semi-finals
Tuesday, Chelsea Defeat third division Cardiff City 3-1 Become the first team to advance to the semifinals.
The quarter-finals conclude next week when Arsenal host Crystal Palace.
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Steve Douglas is https://twitter.com/sdouglas80
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
