Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season on Friday, securing a commanding 4-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The win marks back-to-back victories for the club, while Crystal Palace remains winless following an opening 2-0 defeat at Everton.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a header to give City a halftime lead. Rayan Cherki, who was named Player of the Match, extended the advantage with a brilliant individual dribble and finish. Cherki later added his second goal of the night with a deflected strike from the edge of the penalty area. Haaland completed his brace with a clinical left-footed finish, assisted by Phil Foden, who provided two assists during the match. Palace’s lone goal came when a freekick from Yeremy Pino struck the woodwork and rebounded into the net off City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, resulting in an own goal.
Reflecting on the transition under new manager Enzo Maresca, Haaland told Sky Sports, “It was a step up, but we will make it.” He added that the squad is adapting to the new leadership, noting, “It is a new manager but most of us have been playing together. We have to trust the new manager and what he wants us to do.” Haaland also emphasized the team’s collective effort, stating that everyone is working hard to move in the right direction.
Cherki, who began the season opener on the bench before providing two assists against Bournemouth, expressed his commitment to the new era at the club. “With Pep we had a big story. Now we start another one and we are here for that,” he told Sky Sports. Regarding his partnership with the Norwegian striker, he added, “I want to show Enzo I can play balls for Haaland, and help him score goals.” Commenting on his impressive solo goal, Cherki noted that he simply looks to create opportunities for his teammate.
The match also provided a glimpse into the future of the club as 19-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi made his debut. Bouaddi, who joined from Lille this week in a deal worth 86 million pounds ($116m), entered the game as a late substitute. City’s performance signals a strong start to their campaign as they continue to integrate new talent and adjust to Maresca’s tactical vision following the departure of Pep Guardiola. The report also notes that “We have so many good players and we have to fit everyone in.
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