Manchester City stormed to the top of the Premier League with a commanding 4-1 win at Selhurst Park. Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both scored twice, with Cherki delivering one of the standout performances of the season so far, Softfootball reports.
City dominated from the outset, with Antoine Semenyo’s cross met by Haaland for the opener in the 17th minute — his ninth goal in as many league games against Palace, and City’s 2000th Premier League goal.
Palace equalised through a Yeremy Pino free-kick, which deflected in off Gianluigi Donnarumma for an own goal. But Cherki took control, dazzling with skill and composure to score twice and assist in a devastating display.
Haaland sealed the victory late on with a trademark finish, bookending the scoring and ensuring Enzo Maresca’s side maintained their perfect start.
City were the better side from the off and went ahead in the 17th minute when Antoine Semenyo, a constant menace down the left throughout the evening, delivered a teasing ball across the box that Haaland met with a perfectly timed header.
It was his ninth goal in as many Premier League appearances against Palace and the milestone strike that brought up City’s 2000th goal in the competition.
Phil Foden then fashioned two clear opportunities to double the lead before the interval and passed up both, prompting a few groans from the travelling support who have not yet seen the best of the England international in Maresca’s system.
Manchester City overturned Marcus Tavernier’s opener to defeat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium in their first match of the season.
Player Ratings
Crystal Palace
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dean Henderson | 7 |
| Jaydee Convot | 6 |
| Chris Richards | 6 |
| Takehiro Tomiyasu | 6 |
| Anan Khalaili | 6 |
| Daichi Kamada | 5 |
| Adam Wharton | 7 |
| Tyrick Mitchell | 6 |
| Eddie Nketiah | 6 |
| Yeremy Pino | 6 (Goal via free-kick) |
| Jorgen Strand Larsen | 5 |
Manchester City
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Gianluigi Donnarumma | 6 |
| Abdukodir Khusanov | 6 |
| Rúben Dias | 7 |
| Josko Gvardiol | 6 |
| Nico O’Reilly | 7 |
| Elliot Anderson | 7 |
| Marc Guehi | 6 |
| Phil Foden | 6 |
| Rayan Cherki | 8 (2 Goals, MOTM) |
| Antoine Semenyo | 7 (Assist) |
| Erling Haaland | 7 (2 Goals) |
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Man City | Crystal Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4 | 1 |
| Shots | 15 | 9 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 4 |
| Possession | 61% | 39% |
| Passes | 612 | 398 |
| Pass Accuracy | 89% | 82% |
| Fouls | 9 | 11 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 2 | 1 |
| Corners | 6 | 3 |
