Cherki and Haaland doubles power Manchester City past Crystal Palace

Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park on Friday as Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland each scored twice. The Guardian reported that Palace competed strongly in stretches of the Premier League match, but City took control after halftime and converted their clearest chances.

Haaland opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Antoine Semenyo delivered from the left and the Norway striker found space to send a looping header over Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Palace had threatened before that goal, with Eddie Nketiah testing Gianluigi Donnarumma early and Daichi Kamada having an attempt deflected over.

City doubled their advantage in the 54th minute through Cherki. After City regained possession, Phil Foden moved the ball forward and Cherki carried it into the penalty area from the left. He worked past several defenders before guiding a close-range finish beyond Henderson for his first goal of the game.

Palace responded three minutes later in unusual fashion. Yeremy Pino struck a free kick against the woodwork, with the rebound going in off Donnarumma for an own goal. The home side had reduced the score to 2-1, but the margin lasted only briefly as City answered almost immediately.

Cherki restored the two-goal lead in the 59th minute. He found space on the right and drove a shot past Henderson, with the report noting a slight deflection off Chris Richards. The French midfielder had also contributed two assists from the bench in the previous league win over Bournemouth, according to The Guardian.

City also introduced Ayyoub Bouaddi for his debut during the second half, replacing Elliot Anderson. Palace continued to push forward at times, but City protected the lead after Cherki scored again and created the move that allowed Haaland to complete the scoring.

City completed the scoring when Foden released Haaland, who finished firmly for his second goal. The result gave City another league victory after their opening-weekend comeback against Bournemouth, while Palace remained without a point from their first two matches under Pierre Sage despite creating opportunities in both halves.