Manchester City delivered a genuine statement result at Selhurst Park, thrashing Crystal Palace 4-1 with doubles from both Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland. The win makes it back-to-back victories for new head coach Enzo Maresca, following the dramatic late turnaround against Bournemouth the previous weekend this time, there was no late drama required, with City comfortable for large periods.
Cherki Continues to Shine
Sky Sports’ William Bitibiri argued that Cherki, rather than Phil Foden, is emerging as Manchester City’s genuine creative talisman in the post-Kevin De Bruyne era. With two goals and two assists already in the early weeks of the season, Bitibiri pointed to Cherki’s decisive contributions at Selhurst Park a neat solo run through Palace’s defence for his first goal, followed by an audacious strike on his weaker foot from range for his second as evidence of a player capable of deciding matches on his own. Bitibiri also noted that Bruno Fernandes had recently suggested Cherki could be the player to eventually challenge his own Premier League assist record, a suggestion that looks increasingly plausible given his early-season form.
Pundit Jamie Redknapp was similarly effusive, describing Cherki’s opening goal as a genuine work of art and praising his ability to consistently produce moments of individual brilliance that give City a clear edge in games.
Haaland Adds His Usual Efficiency
Haaland’s contribution was typically clinical heading City in front before adding a second in the 84th minute, latching onto a Phil Foden pass after Marc Guehi intercepted a Palace attack, and finishing emphatically into the top corner. The goal effectively ended any hope of a Palace comeback and turned the contest into a rout.
Palace’s Brief Response
Palace did have a moment of hope when a Pino free-kick led to a Gianluigi Donnarumma own goal, temporarily giving the hosts something to build on. But City’s quality proved too much across the rest of the match, with Bitibiri noting that once Cherki and Haaland found their rhythm, there was little any opponent could realistically do to stop them.
Bouaddi Makes an Assured City Debut
Record signing Ayyoub Bouaddi came off the bench to make his Manchester City debut, replacing Elliot Anderson, and looked composed in his early involvement pundit Alan Smith highlighted a beautifully threaded pass from the teenager late in the match as an early glimpse of his quality. Bouaddi didn’t misplace a pass during his cameo and looked assured for a player making his first appearance for the club.
Cherki’s Post-Match Reaction
Speaking to Sky Sports after being named player of the match, Cherki was characteristically modest about his own performance, saying he felt he struggled to find space in the first half and wasn’t happy with his overall display, despite City’s dominant scoreline. He explained his motivation to keep pushing for more chances to create for Haaland specifically, saying he wants to set up goals for his team-mate as often as possible going forward. Haaland himself jokingly interjected during the interview to point out that Cherki had, in fact, scored two excellent goals himself to which Cherki simply reiterated that creating for others matters more to him than personal accolades.
A New Rule in Action
The match also featured an early example of IFAB’s newly introduced substitution protocol, which requires players to leave the pitch within 10 seconds of being substituted. Palace’s Khalaili took 24 seconds to exit, meaning his replacement had to wait until the next stoppage in play before being allowed on, under the new regulation.
What It Means
City’s win represents an early statement of intent under Maresca, arriving at a notoriously difficult away venue and leaving with a comfortable, high-scoring victory. It’s an encouraging early sign for a City side still adapting to life after Pep Guardiola, with two wins from two league matches to open the new era.
Quick Facts: Crystal Palace 1-4 Man City
- Scorers (City): Erling Haaland (2), Rayan Cherki (2)
- Scorer (Palace): Own goal (Donnarumma, via Pino free-kick)
- Player of the match: Rayan Cherki
- Notable debut: Ayyoub Bouaddi (Man City, off the bench)
- Maresca’s record: 2 wins from 2 Premier League games in charge
