Manchester City demonstrated their squad depth while Newcastle United delivered last-minute drama to secure their places in the English League Cup semifinals on Wednesday evening.
At the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola’s rotated lineup comfortably dispatched Brentford with a 2-0 victory. Despite making seven changes from their weekend Premier League triumph at Crystal Palace, the reigning champions controlled proceedings from start to finish. The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when French midfielder Rayan Cherki unleashed a spectacular right-footed strike into the top corner after expertly controlling a cleared corner. Cherki celebrated by mimicking teammate Erling Haaland’s signature robot celebration, later exchanging pleasantries with the Norwegian striker who was rested on the bench.
The victory was sealed in the 67th minute through Brazilian winger Savinho, whose effort took a decisive deflection off Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer, looping over the helpless goalkeeper. City’s dominance was such that Brentford managed only one meaningful attempt throughout the match, a Mathias Jensen free kick comfortably saved by James Trafford.
Meanwhile, at St. James’ Park, Newcastle United needed a 92nd-minute header from teenage sensation Lewis Miley to overcome a resilient Fulham side 2-1. The Magpies initially took the lead through Yoane Wissa, who capitalized on a spilled cross from Fulham goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte to mark his first start with a goal. Fulham responded swiftly with Sasa Lukic directing a precise header into the net from Antonee Robinson’s cross.
The match appeared destined for penalties until Miley’s intervention in added time. The 19-year-old connected perfectly with a corner, glancing his header into the net to spark wild celebrations among the home supporters. “I thought I’d try to flick it on, and it luckily hit the back of the net and I’m buzzing,” Miley told broadcasters after the match, referencing Newcastle’s successful defense of their League Cup title.
Newcastle now face Manchester City in a highly anticipated two-legged semifinal, while Chelsea await the winner of next Tuesday’s quarterfinal between Arsenal and Crystal Palace.