Manchester City continued its perfect start to the 2026-27 Premier League season with a commanding 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday.
Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki were the stars of the night, scoring two goals each as City secured its second consecutive league win under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 17th minute, rising to meet an Antoine Semenyo cross and sending a header past Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. City carried its advantage into half-time despite Palace creating some promising moments.
Cherki then took control of the game early in the second half. The French midfielder produced a superb individual effort to double City's lead before Palace quickly pulled one back. Yeremy Pino's free-kick struck the crossbar and rebounded into the net off City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Palace's hopes of a comeback lasted only two minutes. Cherki struck again with a deflected effort from outside the box, completing the first Premier League brace of his career and restoring City's two-goal advantage.
Haaland completed the rout in the 85th minute with a left-footed finish following a pass from Phil Foden. The Norwegian striker had opened his account for the new league campaign with his first goal earlier in the match.
The result gives City six points from its opening two matches and keeps the club at the top of the early Premier League standings. Palace, meanwhile, remain without a point after suffering their second straight defeat.
Cherki's performance was particularly encouraging for City. After scoring twice, the 23-year-old admitted he was motivated to prove himself after believing he might be substituted. His display offered an early indication of the attacking possibilities available to Maresca as City begins a new era following Pep Guardiola's departure.
For Palace and new manager Pierre Sage, the result highlighted the gap between the two sides. Midfielder Adam Wharton admitted the team still needs time to adapt to its new manager's methods.
City will now look to maintain its winning momentum as the season progresses, while Palace face the task of finding their first points under Sage.
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