Cherki Steals the Spotlight as Haaland Double Fires Manchester City Past Palace

Rayan Cherki produced a sensational display while Erling Haaland struck twice as Manchester City swept aside Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park to make it two Premier League wins from two under Enzo Maresca.

City's victory was built around a devastating second-half spell, with Cherki scoring twice in five minutes before Haaland returned to complete his brace late on.

Haaland sets City on their way

Manchester City started brightly and took the lead after 17 minutes.

Haaland rose to meet a cross and produced a looping header that gave Dean Henderson no chance, putting City ahead before half-time.

It was Haaland's first Premier League goal of the new campaign and continued his remarkable record against Palace.

Palace threatened to respond, but City carried their advantage into the break.

Cherki turns the game on its head

The match exploded into life after half-time.

Cherki doubled City's advantage in the 54th minute with a superb individual effort, beating defenders before calmly finding the bottom corner.

Just minutes later, he struck again.

His second effort took a deflection and found the net, giving City a three-goal cushion and completing a remarkable five-minute burst.

Cherki's two goals took his direct goal involvements to four in his first two Premier League matches of the season.

Palace get a lifeline

Crystal Palace briefly gave themselves hope when Yéremy Pino's free-kick struck the woodwork before rebounding into the net off City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The goal was officially recorded as a Donnarumma own goal, reducing the deficit to 3-1.

But Palace could not build on the momentum.

Haaland seals the points

City eventually restored their three-goal advantage through Haaland.

The Norwegian was played through by Phil Foden before producing a composed left-footed finish in the 84th minute.

That completed his second goal of the evening and secured City's second consecutive Premier League victory.

Maresca's City make another statement

The victory gives Maresca a perfect start to his Premier League reign, with City now having collected six points from their opening two matches.

More importantly, the performance showed signs of an attacking identity developing under their new manager.

Cherki was the standout performer, while Haaland reminded everyone that his goalscoring instincts remain as dangerous as ever.

For Palace and new manager Pierre Sage, however, it is a second consecutive defeat to begin the campaign.

Despite moments of promise, the Eagles were ultimately unable to cope with City's quality after the interval.

Full-Time

Crystal Palace 1-4 Manchester City

⚽ 17' — Erling Haaland

⚽ 54' — Rayan Cherki

⚽ 56' — Gianluigi Donnarumma own goal

⚽ 59' — Rayan Cherki

⚽ 84' — Erling Haaland

⭐ Player of the Match

Rayan Cherki — Manchester City

Two goals, outstanding individual quality and another influential performance make Cherki the obvious standout.

The Frenchman has now registered four goal involvements in his opening two Premier League appearances, suggesting City may have found one of the key attacking pieces of their new era.