Cherki And Haaland Doubles Send Man City To 4-1 Win At Crystal Palace.
Manchester City made it two wins from two in the new Premier League season after producing a convincing 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The visitors were inspired by Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland, with both players scoring twice as City moved to six points from their opening two matches. City took the lead in the 17th minute when Haaland rose to meet an Antoine Semenyo cross and sent a looping header beyond Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Palace responded positively at times and created opportunities of their own, but City gradually began to take greater control of the contest. Cherki then produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 54th minute, doubling City's advantage after a superb run into the penalty area.
The Frenchman struck again just five minutes later, restoring City's two-goal advantage after Palace had pulled one back. Palace's goal came from a Yeremy Pino free-kick, which struck the crossbar before rebounding off City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the net to be recorded as an own goal.
Cherki's second goal quickly put City back in control and underlined the attacking threat he provided throughout the match. The former Lyon player has made an excellent start to the campaign, having already contributed two assists in City's opening-day victory over Bournemouth.
Haaland completed the scoring in the 84th minute, finishing a move assisted by Phil Foden to claim his second goal of the match. The result gives City a perfect six points from their opening two Premier League matches and provides an encouraging start under manager Enzo Maresca.
City showed particular attacking confidence after the interval, with Cherki's creativity proving difficult for Palace's defence to contain.
For Crystal Palace, the result means another defeat at the beginning of the new campaign and leaves them searching for their first league points. The hosts started the match with some positive moments but struggled to maintain their intensity as City took control.
The victory will provide Manchester City with considerable confidence ahead of their next fixtures, while Palace will need to respond quickly as the season continues. With Cherki and Haaland both finding the net twice, City demonstrated the attacking quality that could make them a major force in the Premier League this season.
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