Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland both scored twice as Manchester City thrashed Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park, giving new boss Enzo Maresca a second consecutive Premier League win. City fans responded by chanting “We are top of the league.”
Haaland and Cherki run riot in south London
Haaland’s record against Palace is remarkable: he has now scored in all six games against them, taking his tally to 10 goals in the process. Cherki was also at his dazzling best for City, who have started life after Pep Guardiola in winning fashion. Phil Foden looked sharp and back towards his best.
There was also a debut for new £86million teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, who came on as a substitute. Palace, meanwhile, looked in disarray, with unsettled pair Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta both out through injury.
Palace's new manager promises ‘special evening’
Palace’s new manager Pierre Sage introduced himself to Selhurst Park by promising to make it a “special evening” in his first home game in charge. However, the hosts were without key players, as striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and winger Ismaila Sarr – both with their futures up in the air – were said to be out through injury.
City are still adjusting to life without Guardiola and are battling to get Enzo Fernandez before Tuesday night. It also looks strange to see Enzo Maresca on the touchline, and Erling Haaland with his new short haircut rather than his long, flowing ponytail. But even though Haaland looks different, his eye for goal has not changed.
City cruise after early opener
Antoine Semenyo set up City’s opener, cutting inside from the left wing and delivering a teasing cross for Haaland to score with a looping header. Incredibly, Haaland has now scored in all six of his games against Palace, netting nine in total – the best 100 per cent record of any player in the Premier League.
The giant striker wore a black armband in tribute to Norway’s King Harald V, whose death was announced on Friday morning. Phil Foden should have made it 2-0 but leaned back and blazed over the crossbar. Palace had their moments but were wasteful, with Jorgen Strand Larsen and Tyrick Mitchell both putting headers wide.
Cherki magic and a cruel own goal
City got a second after the break thanks to more magic from Cherki. The City No10 held off four defenders, slalomed into the box and poked a low shot past Palace keeper Dean Henderson. It looked all over at 2-0, but Palace fought their way back. Yeremy Pino hit a superb free kick up and over the City wall; the ball hit the crossbar and went in off keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for a cruel own goal.
City quickly regained their two-goal cushion when Cherki strode forward from midfield and his powerful shot flew past Henderson courtesy of a slight deflection off Chris Richards. There was still time for another, as Foden fed Haaland, who smashed home at the near post to leave City fans chanting “We are top of the league.”
