Cherki Mimics Erling Haaland as Manchester City Cruise Into League Cup Semis

Rayan Cherki scored a superb 32nd-minute goal as Manchester City defeated Brentford 2-0 in the English League Cup quarter-final. The midfielder copied Erling Haaland's celebrations after his strike. Savinho netted in the 67th minute via a deflection. Haaland stayed on the bench as City reached the semifinals for the first time since 2021.

In the English League Cup quarterfinal played at Manchester, Rayan Cherki delivered a moment of brilliance to guide Manchester City to a 2-0 win over Brentford. The French playmaker opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a stunning curling effort from the edge of the box, a goal that highlighted his close control, quick thinking, and technical quality. After collecting a headed clearance, Cherki cleverly shifted the ball onto his right foot to wrong-foot a defender before sending the shot into the top corner.

Following the goal, Cherki celebrated by mimicking Erling Haaland’s well-known robot style moves and then sitting cross-legged in a yoga pose, drawing loud approval from the home crowd. The goal was widely compared to finishes often produced by Lionel Messi, underlining Cherki’s growing influence in his first season since arriving from Lyon. Manchester City doubled their advantage in the 67th minute when Savinho scored, with his effort taking a heavy deflection that looped over Brentford goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson.

Haaland started the match on the bench and did not feature, though he was seen congratulating Cherki after his substitution. The victory sent City into the League Cup semifinals for the first time since 2021, where they will face defending champions Newcastle.