Manchester City continued their march through domestic competitions with a composed 2–0 victory over Brentford in the EFL Cup quarterfinals, sealing their place in the semifinals with goals from Rayan Cherki and Savinho. For City supporters, it was another reassuring night of control, patience, and authority the kind of performance that reinforces belief that Pep Guardiola’s side are hitting their stride at exactly the right time of the season, Softfootball reports.
The mood around the Etihad has turned increasingly optimistic in recent weeks. City fans are still buzzing after a comfortable 3–0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace last time out, a result that followed earlier concerns about defensive instability. Against Brentford, those worries were firmly put to bed once again. A clean sheet, another standout display from Cherki, and an assured team performance had supporters declaring that Manchester City are truly back.
Manchester City Fans Celebrate Control, Clean Sheets, and Cherki’s Rise
City supporters wasted no time expressing their delight, with many highlighting the growing consistency, defensive solidity, and the sheer joy of watching Pep Guardiola’s system click.
@shorty summed up the night in emphatic fashion:
ANOTHER CLEAN SHEET
ANOTHER WIN
CHERKI AND SAVINHO MASTERCLASS
ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY OF PEP BALL
MANCHESTER CITY ARE BACK!!!!
Individual performances also drew heavy praise, particularly from fans eager to highlight unsung heroes. @siuuuuu wrote:
No one will say this because they hate him but Rico Lewis was absolutely exceptional today and he was one of the best players on the pitch ..didn’t put a single foot wrong.
After the game, Manchester city via its official X handle, shared the full game highlights for fans to relive and enjoy as they progress to the semi finals of the efl cup. They posted:
The defensive structure impressed many. @lhordmacckino was full of admiration across the pitch:
Khusanov and ake.. What an offside trap performance..
Silva, man city engine, played every position…
Tijanni, exceptional 👏
Cherki, you’re choking me with too much pleasure..
Khusanov, you’re definitely the new Dias🥺❤
Others enjoyed the calm dominance City displayed throughout the match. @flourishayomide commented:
This is one of the best game we have played this season but far no rush no panick the game was just flowing. I really enjoyed it FODEN again on and off the ball magnificent.
Rico Lewis and Khusanov continued to earn plaudits. @umjudiya added:
Rico played well, Khusa and Ake were solid 😭 we need Khusa’s pace at the back, hopefully he gets more minutes.
Interestingly. Manchester cityvia its official X handle, shared an exclusive video of Ryan Cherki’s goal, as the in form midfielder picks up another player of the match for his amazing performances. They posted:
Cherki’s numbers are now matching the eye test, and fans are taking notice. @sportscity posted:
Since the start of the 2025/26 season, Rayan Cherki leads all Premier League summer signings in goal contributions, racking up 11 across all competitions ⚽🅰️.
He’s achieved this in just 17 appearances 🏟️, with only 9 starts.
Pure magic, He is Him 🪄⚽🅰️✨💫.
City supporters also celebrated Guardiola’s continued trust in youth. @johnsongbemiro wrote:
At just 19, Gray becomes the youngest player subbed on — big future ahead 🌟⚽
19 years old and already getting minutes. Well done, Gray 👏
Young Gray introduced into the game at 19 — trust in youth 💙
A proud moment for Gray: 19 years old and on the pitch 🙌
The future is bright.
Manchester city via its official X handle, celebrated academy graduate Charlie on making his debut appearance for the first team. They posted:
For @kapaweb3, Cherki’s growing influence is already undeniable:
Rayan Cherki winning MOTM is becoming a regular occurrence! 🏆 The way he’s integrated into this squad is scary. A signed shirt from a future Ballon d’Or contender? Yes, please! 🔵🇫🇷👕 #ManCity #Cherki.
After the game, Manchester city via its official X handle, shared the official confirmation of the team’s next opponent in the EFL cup, city will be up against Newcastle. They posted:
Brentford Fans Frustrated by Tactics and Lack of Fight
On the other side, Brentford supporters were left deeply frustrated by what they felt was a timid approach in a quarterfinal setting, with criticism aimed squarely at tactical decisions and a perceived lack of ambition.
@seb questioned team selection immediately:
Interesting how he puts on our best attacker in the squad, donovan, and then we suddenly have the ball in their half, and get a shot on target instantly. Good thing that I have donovan’s name on my back before a big club comes and take him away from us 👍.
Brentford midfielder, Mathias Jensen after the game shared gave his post match reactions and comment to the Brentford media via the team’s official X handle, reflecting on the loss against Manchester City, watch video below:
The tactical setup drew anger from many fans. @scottvalentine vented:
I didn’t think I could be more annoyed than Frank playing a second string team against Newcastle last year… upstep Keith Andrews playing a glorified 5-4-1 when 2-0 down. Samaritans are gonna have to set up a Brentford hotline if we have to watch this negative pish every week.
For others, the numbers spoke for themselves. @kierantaylor wrote:
3 shots today, 1 goal (a pen) in 5 away games and another painful display. Either the players aren’t good enough or the it’s Keith’s tactics. Either way it’s up to Giles to change it. Would say see you at Wolves but rather stick used needles in my eyes for 90 mins than watch that.
The lack of intensity was a common complaint. @chrisduddy said:
Might aswell have been a friendly match, absolutely no fight in that game what so ever!! Would never have thought that was a QF! Didn’t expect a win but thought we would have battled harder than that 😞.
Brentford shared via its official X handle, coach Kieth Andrew’s statement after the loss to Manchester City and preparation for the next game ahead. Watch video below:
@chelseaet delivered a final sarcastic verdict:
What’s the point to go on the field without having any intention to win a football match? Losing 0:2 and just giving ball back to the keeper every single time while he is just walking with the ball for a minute. That’s brilliant tactics, no need to risk, 0:2 is perfect.
After the game ended, Brentford through its official X handle, thanked their traveling fans for their support despite not getting the much needed win. The team will be hoping to bounce back in the league and other domestic competitions. They posted:
For Manchester City, this was another calm yet powerful reminder of their depth and rhythm. Back-to-back clean sheets, wins over Crystal Palace and Brentford, and the continued rise of Rayan Cherki have fans dreaming again. With Pep Guardiola rotating smartly and young talents flourishing, City look increasingly comfortable on multiple fronts.
For Brentford, however, serious questions remain. Supporters are growing restless over cautious tactics and a lack of attacking intent, especially in knockout competitions. With league fixtures ahead, the pressure will be on the coaching staff to respond — or risk losing the belief of the fanbase.
