Manchester City Thrash Crystal Palace 4-1 as Haaland and Cherki Shine Under Maresca

Manchester City continued their perfect start to the Premier League season with a commanding 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, making it two wins from two under new manager Enzo Maresca.

The visitors were inspired by Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki, who both scored twice, while Phil Foden provided two assists as City produced an impressive attacking display.

Haaland opened the scoring in the 17th minute, rising to meet Antoine Semenyo’s cross with a looping header that beat Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. It was the Norwegian’s first Premier League goal of the new campaign.

Palace remained competitive and almost levelled early in the second half, but City quickly took control.

Cherki doubled City’s advantage in the 54th minute with a brilliant individual effort. The Frenchman weaved his way through the Palace defence before finishing to make it 2-0.

Palace were handed a lifeline just two minutes later when Yéremy Pino’s free-kick struck the crossbar and rebounded into the net off City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

But City’s response was immediate.

Cherki struck again in the 59th minute, with his shot taking a deflection before finding the back of the net and restoring City’s two-goal advantage.

Foden then played a key role in City’s fourth goal, releasing Haaland, who powered the ball home in the 84th minute to complete his brace and seal a comprehensive victory.

The result gives City six points from their opening two league matches, following their 2-1 comeback win over Bournemouth in their opening fixture.

Cherki’s performance was particularly impressive. After providing two assists as a substitute in the comeback against Bournemouth, he followed that up with two goals at Selhurst Park, making him one of the standout performers of City’s early-season campaign.

For Maresca, the victory provides further encouragement as he begins life in charge of City following Pep Guardiola’s departure.

Palace, meanwhile, remain without a point after their opening two league games and will need to improve quickly under new manager Pierre Sage.