Man City player ratings vs Brentford with one 8/10 as Savinho scores

Manchester City beat Brentford 2-0 as goals from Rayan Cherki and Savinho moved the Blues into the Carabao Cup semi-finals

Manchester City made their first Carabao Cup semi-final sine 2021 when they last won the competition with a 2-0 win over Brentford. Pep Guardiola made seven changes from the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend and his plans were further disrupted when Oscar Bobb went down injured early on.

Phil Foden came on and City settled into control of the game, but had nothing to show for it until the half-hour mark when Rayan Cherki lashed in an effort from the edge of the box. Brentford, who made six changes themselves, offered little and Savinho added a second midway through the second period.

Charlie Gray came on for his City debut for the final 10 minutes as Guardiola made full use of his five subs, including taking Foden off. Here are the player ratings from the Manchester Evening News

Trafford: There wasn't anything that looked too troubling but he dealt with everything that came his way perfectly. 7

Lewis: Never really got into the game from right-back, not helped by Bobb going off early. 6

Khusanov: Some clumsy touches and tackles in the first half that offered Brentford encouragement but better after the break. 6

Ake: A calming presence at the back, sweeping up anything that came his way and keeping order in the defence. 7

O'Reilly: Delivered his usual storming runs but looked tired and that showed in some weary positioning and decision-making. 6

Gonzalez: Is surely shattered but delivered his high standards, setting the tone in midfield and helping to bring control. 7

Bobb: Some good, some not so before injury brought a disappointing end to his night less than 20 minutes in. 6

Reijnders: Excellent at latching onto passes and played a lovely ball for Savinho for the second goal, but still frustratingly messes up in simple moments. 7

Mukasa: Confident in his third start for the team, often looking for Cherki but also happy to take on the goalkeeper himself. 7

Savinho: Some more hit-and-miss but drove into the box well for his goal to earn the deflection. 7

Cherki: Gave City the initiative with a thumping effort as his mark on the team grows. 8

Substitutes

Foden (for Bobb, 19) Called into action unexpectedly early and put in a solid shift before being taken off. 7

Gvardiol (for O'Reilly, 66) Nothing to worry about as he strolled back into defence. 6

Silva (for Gonzalez, 66) Ended up playing left wing back at times as City saw out the win. 6

Nunes (for Cherki, 66) A rare outing in defensive midfield - could he play there more to rest Gonzalez? 6

Gray (for Foden, 80) A debut to make him the seventh City academy player of the night. 6