Manchester City continued their perfect start to the Premier League season after Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki scored twice each in a commanding 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday night.
City made it two wins from two games under new manager Enzo Maresca, producing an impressive attacking display to send an early warning to their Premier League rivals.
Haaland opened his account for the season in the 17th minute, rising highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Antoine Semenyo.
The Norwegian striker’s goal gave City a deserved advantage, although Crystal Palace showed flashes of danger and remained within touching distance heading into the half-time break.
However, City stepped up several gears after the restart.
Rayan Cherki doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 54th minute with a superb individual effort, weaving his way through the Palace defence before calmly finding the back of the net.
Crystal Palace briefly threatened a comeback when Yeremy Pino’s free-kick came off the crossbar and rebounded off Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for an own goal.
But Palace’s hopes were short-lived.
Cherki restored City’s two-goal advantage almost immediately, firing home his second of the night to put the visitors firmly in control.
Haaland then completed the rout late in the game, smashing home his second goal of the night after being picked out by Phil Foden.
The 4-1 victory means Manchester City have now taken maximum points from their opening two Premier League matches, giving Maresca a dream start to life in charge of the former champions.
Cherki’s performance was particularly impressive, with the Frenchman continuing his excellent start to the campaign after already providing two assists in City’s opening-day victory.
For Haaland, the brace marked his first Premier League goals of the new season and served as another reminder of his importance to City’s title ambitions.
The result temporarily sent Manchester City to the top of the Premier League table with six points, while Crystal Palace remain without a point after their opening two matches.
With Haaland rediscovering his scoring touch and Cherki emerging as one of City’s most exciting attacking weapons, Maresca’s side have made a powerful statement in the early stages of the new campaign.
Final Score: Crystal Palace 1-4 Manchester City
Manchester City Scorers: Erling Haaland (17′, 84′), Rayan Cherki (54′, 59′)
Crystal Palace: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Own Goal, 56′)
About the Author
