Manchester City powered to a 4-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday night, with Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both scoring twice in a dominant away performance.
City established their authority early through Haaland, who rose to head home in the 17th minute and give the visitors a deserved half-time lead. Pep Guardiola’s side controlled the rhythm for long spells, keeping Palace pinned back with 72.2% possession and repeatedly working openings around the home penalty area.
The contest opened up after the interval. Cherki doubled City’s advantage in the 54th minute, but Palace were handed an immediate route back when City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was credited with an own goal in the 56th minute.
Any prospect of a Palace comeback was quickly extinguished. Cherki restored the two-goal cushion just three minutes later, scoring again in the 59th minute to cap a decisive spell in which City turned their territorial dominance into a commanding lead.
Haaland added the finishing touch in the 84th minute, completing his brace and sealing a convincing result for the visitors. City finished with 18 shots, nine on target and six corners, while Palace managed nine attempts but only one effort on target.
The win underlines City’s early-season intent as they move to two victories from two league fixtures. Their supporters will also have enjoyed another eye-catching display from Cherki, whose influence in the final third came amid continued interest around the club following the recent unveiling of Manchester City’s AI-designed third kit with Puma.
Crystal Palace will look to respond when they face Fulham on Saturday, September 5, while Manchester City next meet Coventry City on the same day.
Goal scorers
- Manchester City: Erling Haaland 17′, 84′
- Manchester City: Rayan Cherki 54′, 59′
- Crystal Palace: Gianluigi Donnarumma own goal 56′
