Manchester City cruised into the League Cup semi-finals with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. Goals from Rayan Cherki and Savinho secured the win for Pep Guardiola's side, who reached the semi-finals of the EFL Cup for the first time since 2020-21.

Guardiola made seven changes to the City side that beat Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Despite the changes, City dominated the ball early on. Oscar Bobb produced the game's first shot on target after 15 minutes, but his attempt was easily saved. Shortly after, Abdukodir Khusanov was perhaps fortunate to escape with only a yellow card for a last-man foul on Kevin Schade.

The game sparked into life following an injury to Bobb, who was forced off the field. Mathias Jensen's free-kick was then saved by James Trafford in the 20th minute. However, it was City who took the lead through a moment of individual brilliance from Cherki in the 32nd minute. Cherki cut inside of Mikkel Damsgaard on the edge of the area before unleashing a superb right-footed curler into the top corner of the net.

Brentford started the second half strongly, with Kristoffer Ajer and Michael Kayode both having efforts saved by Trafford. Phil Foden then forced a brilliant save from Hakon Valdimarsson. However, City doubled their lead in the 67th minute when Savinho's shot deflected off Ajer and looped over Valdimarsson. Savinho put himself in contention for a regular starting spot after an excellent display.

The result puts City into the semi-finals and extends their winning streak to six games in all competitions. City have scored 18 goals during the winning streak. They will look to continue their winning run when they host West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday. With Arsenal not in action until later on Saturday, City have the opportunity to put pressure on the Gunners by taking over at the top of the table.

For Brentford, the defeat was their fifth successive away defeat in all competitions.