HAALAND AND CHERKI FIRE MANCHESTER CITY TO BIG WIN AT SELHURST PARK

Manchester City maintained its perfect start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday night.

The champions produced an impressive attacking display, with Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both scoring twice to secure City's second consecutive league victory.

Haaland opened the scoring in the 17th minute when he rose above Chris Richards to head Antoine Semenyo's cross beyond Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

City continued to dominate possession and create opportunities, although Phil Foden missed chances to extend the advantage before the break.

Cherki eventually doubled the lead nine minutes into the second half with a brilliant individual effort, further underlining his growing influence since joining the club.

Palace responded shortly afterwards when Yeremy Pino's free-kick struck the crossbar before rebounding off City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the net.

The goal briefly gave the hosts hope of mounting a comeback, but City quickly restored its two-goal advantage.

Cherki completed his brace with a deflected effort just five minutes after Palace's goal, putting the visitors firmly back in control.

Haaland then completed the scoring in the 85th minute, converting a pass from Foden to register his second goal of the night and seal a convincing away victory for Manchester City.

The result gives City six points from its opening two league matches, following the 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth in the opening weekend.

For new manager Enzo Maresca, the victory provides another encouraging indication of the team's attacking potential as he begins his tenure at the club.

Cherki's two-goal performance was particularly impressive, while Haaland's brace marked his first league goals of the new campaign.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, remain without a point after losing their opening two matches and will need to improve significantly as the season progresses.

Manchester City will now look to maintain its winning momentum when it returns to Premier League action, with the early victory strengthening its position among the leading contenders for the title.