Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki scored twice as Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park in the Premier League
Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 Premier League season by defeating Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park on Friday, August 28.
Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki scored two goals each as Enzo Maresca’s side delivered an impressive attacking performance. Palace briefly threatened a comeback through a Gianluigi Donnarumma own goal, but City responded immediately before completing a convincing away victory.
The result moved City to six points from their opening two matches, while Palace suffered a second consecutive league defeat.
Haaland Gives Manchester City Early Lead
Crystal Palace almost made the perfect start in Pierre Sage’s first home match as head coach. Eddie Nketiah found space inside the penalty area after two minutes, but Donnarumma saved his angled effort at the near post.
City responded through Elliot Anderson, whose long-range attempt was parried by Dean Henderson. Haaland followed up, but his effort was blocked inside the six-yard area.
The Norwegian did not have to wait much longer for his opening goal of the season. In the 17th minute, Antoine Semenyo delivered an excellent inswinging cross, and Haaland directed a looping header into the top corner.
Phil Foden had two opportunities to extend City’s advantage before half-time but failed to hit the target. Palace remained dangerous, with Tyrick Mitchell heading wide from a promising position at the back post.
The visitors entered the interval with a narrow 1-0 advantage despite creating enough chances to establish a more comfortable lead.
Cherki Takes Control After Half-Time
City increased their attacking intensity after the restart and doubled their lead in the 54th minute.
Foden found Cherki near the Palace penalty area. The French midfielder drove between two defenders before calmly rolling his finish beyond Henderson.
Palace responded two minutes later through Yéremy Pino. His powerful free kick struck the post before rebounding off Donnarumma and crossing the line. The goal was officially recorded as an own goal against the City goalkeeper.
Any belief that Palace could complete a comeback lasted only three minutes. Cherki collected possession outside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot that took a deflection off Chris Richards before flying into the top corner.
The brace completed an outstanding individual performance from Cherki.
Haaland Completes Emphatic Victory
Manchester City controlled the closing stages after restoring their two-goal advantage.
Maresca introduced highly rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for his debut during the final ten minutes. The teenager gained his first experience of Premier League football shortly after completing his transfer from Lille.
City added their fourth goal in the 84th minute. Foden delivered a perfectly weighted pass behind the Palace defence, allowing Haaland to advance and drive a left-footed finish into the roof of the net.
The goal completed Haaland’s brace and gave Foden his second assist of the match. The official Manchester City highlights showed how effectively the visitors combined direct movement with quick passing throughout the second half.
Cherki and Haaland Offer Maresca Encouragement
Cherki was the most influential player on the pitch. He demonstrated close control for his opening goal before using power and accuracy to score his second.
The midfielder had already provided two assists after coming off the bench in City’s opening victory over Bournemouth. His performance at Selhurst Park strengthened his case for a regular starting position.
Haaland also delivered an important response after failing to score in the opening match. His movement caused constant problems for the Palace defence, while his two contrasting finishes demonstrated his aerial and technical quality.
The Al Jazeera match report highlighted the growing understanding between Cherki and Haaland as City adjust to Maresca’s methods.
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Conclusion
Manchester City deserved their victory after combining attacking quality with greater control after half-time. Haaland’s finishing, Cherki’s creativity and Foden’s two assists proved decisive.
Palace created several promising moments but could not contain City once the visitors increased the tempo. Maresca’s team leave Selhurst Park with maximum points and growing confidence, while Sage must improve Palace’s defensive organisation before their next league assignment.
