Crystal Palace 1-4 Manchester City: Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland net braces

28.08.26 FT English Premier League

Crystal Palace

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Manchester City

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Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland both struck twice as Manchester City swept Crystal Palace aside at Selhurst Park on Friday night.

The Premier League served up another attacking masterclass from Manchester City. Away at Selhurst Park on Matchday 2, Enzo Maresca’s side claimed a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace. The Citizens had taken the lead before half-time through Erling Haaland, who headed home an excellent cross from Antoine Semenyo in the 16th minute.

Cherki swings Crystal Palace vs Manchester City

Handed a start after providing two assists against Bournemouth, Rayan Cherki confirmed that he must now be considered a key figure. In the 54th minute, Phil Foden won the ball high up the pitch before finding the Frenchman in the middle. Cherki beat Jérémy Canvot, held off Chris Richards and calmly picked out the corner with a delicate left-footed finish.

Crystal Palace briefly found a way back three minutes later. Under pressure from the Eagles, Gianluigi Donnarumma mishandled the ball and diverted it into his own net. Yet the hosts’ renewed hope was short-lived.

A brace and an ideal start to the season for Rayan Cherki

In the 59th minute, Cherki once again displayed his technical quality. Operating from the right, he beat his markers before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot across goal that was too strong for Henderson. The quickfire brace put Manchester City firmly on course for victory.

Erling Haaland then completed a brace of his own. After a surging solo run, Phil Foden released the Norwegian on the left side of the penalty area. The striker met the ball with a fierce driven finish and gave Dean Henderson no chance, making it 4-1.

Real also : Crystal Palace 0 - 1 Manchester City: Haaland gives the Sky Blues the lead at half-time

After delivering two assists in City’s opening-day victory, Cherki has already recorded two goals and two assists in two league matches. Haaland, meanwhile, opened his league account with two goals. The Frenchman’s decisive cameo against Bournemouth launched his season; his display in London confirms his growing importance in Maresca’s system.

It is also worth noting that Ayyoub Bouaddi made his first appearance for Manchester City, while Algeria international Rayan Aït-Nouri was an unused substitute for the third consecutive match.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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