Inframe News – Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the new Premier League season with a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday, August 28. Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both scored twice as City produced an impressive attacking display. The result gave Enzo Maresca two wins from his first two league matches as manager.
City opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Haaland. Antoine Semenyo delivered a precise cross from the left, allowing the Norwegian striker to rise above Chris Richards and send a looping header beyond Dean Henderson. The goal was Haaland’s first in the Premier League this season.
Palace had opportunities to respond before halftime but struggled to turn their possession into clear chances. City also missed opportunities to extend their lead, with Phil Foden twice failing to find the target from promising positions. Palace remained within one goal at the break despite City controlling much of the game.
Cherki then produced one of the match’s standout moments shortly after halftime. The French midfielder collected a pass from Foden before weaving through several Palace defenders inside the penalty area. He finished with a delicate touch beyond Henderson to give City a 2-0 lead in the 54th minute.
Palace immediately found a way back into the game through Yeremy Pino. The forward curled a free kick over the defensive wall and onto the crossbar, with the ball rebounding off City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before crossing the line. The goal was recorded as a Donnarumma own goal and reduced the deficit to 2-1.
City responded almost immediately through Cherki. Just three minutes after Palace pulled one goal back, the 23-year-old found space outside the penalty area and fired toward the far corner. His shot took a deflection off Chris Richards before beating Henderson and restoring City’s two-goal advantage.
Cherki’s performance came after he had already provided two assists during City’s opening-day victory over Bournemouth. He had initially been left out of the starting lineup for that match but has now quickly established himself as one of the team’s key attacking players. Against Palace, his two goals added another major contribution to his early-season record.
Haaland completed his own brace in the 84th minute. Foden carried the ball into the penalty area before finding Haaland, who created enough space to unleash a powerful left-footed shot into the roof of the net. The goal completed City’s 4-1 victory and gave Haaland his first two Premier League goals of the campaign.
City finished the match with a clear advantage in possession and territory. Sofascore recorded 72% possession for the visitors, along with 18 shots compared with nine for Palace. City also registered 33 touches in the opposition penalty area, compared with 13 for the hosts.
The victory gives Manchester City six points from their opening two Premier League matches. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have lost both of their opening league games under new manager Pierre Sage and remain without a point. City’s next league match is against newly promoted Coventry City, while Palace are scheduled to face Fulham.
