By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 21:34 GMT, 17 December 2025 | Updated: 21:34 GMT, 17 December 2025
Rayan Cherki recreated teammate Erling Haaland's goal celebrations after curling an exquisite shot into the top corner in Manchester City's 2-0 win over Brentford in the English League Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.
The France playmaker pulled out some robot moves and then sat down cross-legged in a yoga pose after giving a much-changed City team a 32nd-minute lead.
With his tricks, skills and wonderful technique, Cherki is already proving a fans' favorite in his first season in Manchester after moving from Lyon. In a win over Sunderland this month, he produced a "rabona" cross that was headed in by Phil Foden but left City manager Pep Guardiola urging Cherki to play with "simplicity" like Lionel Messi.
The goal against Brentford was one Messi would have been proud of. Collecting a headed clearance at the edge of the box, Cherki deceived an opponent by switching the ball to his right foot and then whipped a shot into the top corner.
Savinho added a second goal for City in the 67th minute with a shot that was aided by a huge deflection that looped over Brentford goalkeeper Hákon Valdimarsson.
Haaland was named as a substitute for the game, didn't come on, and was seen shaking the hand of Cherki when the midfielder was replaced in the second half.
Manchester City's Rayan Cherki celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
City joined Chelsea, which beat third-tier Cardiff City 3-1 on Tuesday, in the semifinals.
Defending champion Newcastle was playing Fulham in a later kickoff on Wednesday. The quarterfinals are wrapped up next week when Arsenal hosts Crystal Palace.
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Manchester City's Rayan Cherki scores his side's first goal during the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester City's Rayan Cherki celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester City's Erling Haaland warms up before the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford n Manchester, England, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)