Manchester City’s relationship with the Carabao Cup has been complicated by success elsewhere, but nights like this still matter. Under slick floodlights and in awkward conditions, Man City found clarity through quality, dispatching Brentford 2-0 to reach the semi finals and extend a December run that continues to gather momentum.

City clawed back a one-goal deficit pulling ahead thanks to a penalty converted by Erling Haaland before halftime

The 19-year-old has started just three matches for the Bundesliga club since his season-long loan move in August.

Cup football has often rewarded Brentford’s organisation and resilience, qualities that will again be required. Their challenge lies in managing long spells without the ball, while remaining brave enough to test Man City when opportunities arise. Discipline, both tactical and emotional, will be central to any hopes of an upset.

With Haaland missing from the starting lineup, many Man City fans assume that the Norwegian striker suffered an injury, but the player is on the bench for the quarterfinal match in the EFL Cup against Brentford.

Manchester City and Liverpool have not had much reason to focus on each other this season, but the rivalry is far from over. With just two Premier League titles to their name, it is easy to overlook how different that number could be if the Reds had not spent those years battling one of the greatest sides English football has seen in Manchester

Follow reaction and EFL Cup semi-final draw after Manchester City beat Brentford and Newcastle see off Fulham.