Manchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup semifinals without Erling Haaland in the starting lineup, proving once again the depth and flexibility of Pep Guardiola’s squad. While the Norwegian striker watched from the bench, his presence was still felt on the pitch—most notably through Rayan Cherki, who replicated Haaland’s iconic goal celebrations during City’s win over Brentford.
Cherki delivered a moment of magic, scoring a stunning long-range goal before celebrating with Haaland’s trademark “robot” move followed by the familiar meditation pose. The gesture instantly caught attention, symbolizing both admiration and a subtle statement of confidence from the French attacking midfielder.
Cherki Steals the Spotlight with Spectacular Goal
The defining moment of the match came when Rayan Cherki produced a breathtaking individual effort from approximately 20 meters out. Showing quick footwork and close control, he danced past Mikkel Damsgaard before unleashing a powerful strike that left the Brentford goalkeeper with no chance.
It was not just the quality of the finish that impressed, but the composure and decisiveness Cherki displayed in a high-pressure knockout match. The celebration that followed added to the spectacle, as Cherki mimicked Haaland’s signature moves—much to the amusement of fans and teammates alike.
From the bench, Haaland appeared relaxed and smiling, seemingly enjoying the sight of his celebratory style being echoed by a teammate. The moment highlighted the positive atmosphere within the City squad and the confidence Guardiola has instilled in his players.
A New Role for Cherki in Haaland’s Absence
With Haaland rested, Pep Guardiola adopted an unconventional tactical approach. Manchester City lined up against Brentford’s five-man defense without a traditional striker, deploying a highly fluid attacking structure that resembled a 4-2-4-0 formation.
Despite wearing the No. 10 shirt and being best known as a creative playmaker, Cherki frequently operated as the most advanced player. Rather than acting as a classic forward, he played as a “false nine,” drifting between the lines and exploiting spaces left by Brentford’s compact defense.
The tactical gamble paid off. Cherki’s intelligent movement disrupted Brentford’s back line, while City’s wide players stretched the pitch and created overloads in attacking areas. His goal validated Guardiola’s decision to trust the Frenchman in a role typically reserved for Haaland.
Guardiola Learns from Rotation Mistakes
Pep Guardiola’s rotation policy has occasionally drawn criticism, particularly when wholesale changes disrupted City’s rhythm earlier in the season. This time, however, the balance was carefully managed.
While Haaland was rested, Guardiola retained enough experienced players to maintain control and structure. The result was a dominant City performance that never allowed Brentford to settle into the game.
Savinho doubled City’s advantage with a goal that carried a touch of fortune, but it was a reward for sustained pressure and intelligent positioning. Although Savinho is not known for prolific scoring, his movement and work rate were vital in stretching Brentford’s defense throughout the match.
Cherki’s Rising Influence at Manchester City
Cherki’s performance was the latest chapter in an impressive run of form. Over the past month, he has emerged as one of City’s most influential players, leading the team in assists with four assists across the last four Premier League matches.
Those creative numbers have already sparked comparisons with Kevin De Bruyne, particularly due to Cherki’s vision, passing range, and ability to operate in tight spaces. However, against Brentford, he showcased a different side of his game—his capacity to deliver goals when required.
Earlier in the season, Cherki endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines, missing nearly two months through injury. Since returning, though, his performances have steadily improved, reflecting both physical sharpness and growing confidence.
Squad Depth on Full Display
Manchester City’s progression to the semifinals underlined the strength of their squad. Despite dealing with injuries and international absences, Guardiola still had quality options available both on the pitch and on the bench.
Goalkeeper James Trafford played a crucial role by keeping a rare clean sheet with the senior side. His assured handling and calm distribution contributed to City’s control of the match, offering further evidence that Guardiola can rely on his squad players in key moments.
Haaland remained an unused substitute, ready to be deployed if necessary. His absence did not weaken City’s attacking threat, highlighting how Guardiola has built a system capable of functioning even without its primary goal scorer.
Cherki as a Genuine Alternative Solution
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the match was Cherki’s demonstration that he can provide a credible alternative when Haaland is rested. While no one expects the Frenchman to replicate Haaland’s sheer goal output, his versatility offers Guardiola valuable tactical flexibility.
Cherki can now be viewed not only as a creative hub but also as a goal-scoring option in specific tactical setups. This dual capability is especially important as City navigate a congested fixture list across multiple competitions.
Manchester City Look Ahead with Confidence
As Manchester City move into the Carabao Cup semifinals, Guardiola will be encouraged by the performance of his rotated side. The blend of creativity, tactical discipline, and individual brilliance showcased against Brentford reinforces City’s credentials as contenders on all fronts.
For Rayan Cherki, the night marked a statement performance. By scoring in style and celebrating like Erling Haaland, he sent a clear message: Manchester City’s attacking future is rich with options.
With confidence growing and competition for places intensifying, Guardiola’s problem is no longer how to cope without Haaland—but how to make the most of the abundance of talent at his disposal.
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