Manchester City produced a commanding second-half display to beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park, with Rayan Cherki scoring twice and Erling Haaland adding a brace in an impressive Premier League victory.
The result extended City’s dominant league record against Crystal Palace to 10 consecutive matches without defeat (W7, D3) and provided another early statement of intent from Enzo Maresca’s side.
For Kenyan Premier League fans following the weekend action, City’s attacking performance offered plenty to discuss, particularly the growing influence of Cherki alongside established stars Haaland and Phil Foden.
Haaland Opens His Premier League Account
Crystal Palace, playing their first home league match under Pierre Sage, almost produced the perfect start.
Inside two minutes, Eddie Nketiah found enough space to fire an angled effort towards goal, but Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma reacted well to deny him at the near post.
City quickly responded. Elliot Anderson tested Dean Henderson from a distance before Haaland saw his follow-up blocked inside the six-yard box.
The Norwegian would not have to wait much longer.
In the 17th minute, Antoine Semenyo delivered an inviting ball into the penalty area, where Haaland expertly directed his effort into the top corner to make it 1-0 and register his first Premier League goal of the new campaign.
City could have extended their advantage before the break, but Foden twice failed to convert promising opportunities.
Palace remained dangerous enough to keep the visitors alert, with Tyrick Mitchell heading wide from a good position as the Eagles searched for an equalizer.
Rayan Cherki Takes Center Stage
Manchester City stepped up the tempo after half-time, and Rayan Cherki quickly became the star of the show.
In the 54th minute, Foden found the Frenchman in a dangerous position. Cherki danced beyond several challenges before calmly rolling the ball past Henderson to double City’s advantage.
It was a goal that combined close control, confidence and composure.
Palace responded almost immediately.
Yéremy Pino’s spectacular long-range free-kick crashed against the post before rebounding off Donnarumma and into the net, briefly reducing the deficit and giving Selhurst Park hope of a comeback.
City’s response was ruthless.
Cherki struck again shortly before the hour mark, unleashing a powerful long-range effort that took a deflection off Chris Richards before flying into the top corner.
At 3-1, Manchester City were firmly back in control.
Haaland Completes the Rout
Palace struggled to recover from City’s third goal as Maresca’s men increasingly dictated possession and controlled the closing stages.
There was also an opportunity for new signing Ayyoub Bouaddi to make his Manchester City debut during the final 10 minutes.
The City was not finished.
Foden produced another clever pass to release Haaland, and the striker emphatically fired into the roof of the net to complete his brace and seal an impressive 4-1 victory.
Haaland’s two goals, combined with Cherki’s double, showed how dangerous City’s attack can be as the season progresses.
Crystal Palace 1-4 Manchester City: Key Talking Points
Rayan Cherki delivers: The French attacker was City’s standout performer after the break, scoring twice and showcasing his ability to unlock defenses.
Haaland back among the goals: A Premier League brace is an ideal way for City’s leading striker to open his account for the campaign.
Foden creates the difference: Although he missed chances of his own, Foden played a decisive creative role, including assists for Cherki and Haaland.
Palace showed flashes of promise: Despite the heavy defeat, the Eagles created opportunities and briefly threatened a comeback after Pino’s spectacular free-kick.
City’s Palace dominance continues: Manchester City are now unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League meetings with Crystal Palace, winning seven and drawing three.
What the Result Means
For Manchester City, this was more than simply three points.
The Cityzens demonstrated attacking depth, resilience and the ability to respond immediately after conceding. Cherki’s emergence alongside Haaland and Foden could provide Maresca with another formidable attacking combination this season.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, has more work ahead under Pierre Sage. Their Premier League winless streak has now stretched to nine matches, increasing the importance of finding positive results in the coming fixtures.
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Final Verdict
Crystal Palace 1-4 Manchester City was ultimately a demonstration of City’s attacking quality.
Palace made a lively start and briefly threatened to turn the contest around, but Cherki’s superb second-half brace changed the complexion of the match. Haaland’s two goals added another warning to City’s Premier League rivals.
With Cherki flourishing, Foden creating and Haaland finishing, Manchester City’s attacking machinery already looks capable of causing serious problems in the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
