Manchester City secured a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland each scoring two goals. This result marks Enzo Maresca’s second consecutive win as Manchester City boss in the Premier League. For Crystal Palace, it was their second straight defeat under new manager Pierre Sage.
The match saw Erling Haaland open the scoring in the first half. Rayan Cherki then extended City’s lead, navigating through the Crystal Palace defence before finding the net. Yeremy Pino contributed to the scoreline with a free-kick that rebounded off Gianluigi Donnarumma, resulting in an own goal. Shortly after, Cherki scored his second goal of the game.
Haaland sealed the victory with his second goal late in the match. Despite Palace’s efforts, including a chance for Tyrick Mitchell, they were unable to secure a win under Sage.
Key Moments and Player Performances
The game’s opening goal came in the 17th minute when Erling Haaland headed in a cross from Antoine Semenyo. Phil Foden had opportunities to increase City’s lead earlier in the first half but was unable to convert. Crystal Palace also had a significant chance through Tyrick Mitchell following a cross from Adam Wharton.
Rayan Cherki’s first goal in the 54th minute involved him collecting a pass from Foden, maneuvering past defenders, and finishing with the outside of his boot. Yeremy Pino’s free-kick in the 56th minute deflected off the woodwork and then Donnarumma before crossing the line. Cherki’s second goal, just three minutes later, came from a long-range effort that took a deflection off Chris Richards.
Haaland’s second goal in the 84th minute followed an interception by Marc Guehi, who fed Foden, setting up the striker.
Following the match, Rayan Cherki commented on his performance, stating it was “so-so” and that he “played so ****” in the first half. He expressed a desire to provide more assists for Erling Haaland in future games. Haaland interjected, acknowledging Cherki’s two goals.
Enzo Maresca praised Cherki’s contribution, noting his quality and his work off the ball, particularly in controlling Wharton. Maresca also discussed Phil Foden’s adaptation to a wider role, acknowledging it is not his natural position but commending his attitude.
Pierre Sage of Crystal Palace expressed frustration with the energy levels of his substitutes, stating that the team’s energy declined after changes were made. He acknowledged that Palace had chances but found it difficult to compete without scoring against City.
Team News and Tactical Approaches
For Manchester City, Rayan Cherki was included in the starting lineup, having provided two assists in the previous 2-1 victory over Bournemouth. New signing Ayyoub Bouaddi, who joined from Lille, was named on the bench. Rúben Dias captained the team.
City’s lineup featured Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with a back four of Abdukodir Khusanov, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, and Josko Gvardiol. Elliot Anderson and Nico O’Reilly played in midfield, supporting Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo, Phil Foden, and Erling Haaland.
Crystal Palace’s starting XI included Henderson, Khalaili, Canvot, Richards, Tomiyasu, Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Pino, Nketiah, and Strand Larsen.
Erling Haaland has a history of scoring against Crystal Palace, having netted in all five of his previous Premier League appearances against them. This includes a hat-trick in a 4-2 success in August 2022 and a winner in a 1-0 triumph in March 2023. He also scored in a 4-2 away win in April 2024 and in a 2-2 draw in December 2024.
Maresca had previously stated that Ayyoub Bouaddi was “ready to go” after his transfer. The 18-year-old midfielder was included in the squad, with Maresca emphasizing the need for patience due to his age and his newness to the Premier League.
Historically, Crystal Palace has struggled against Manchester City in the Premier League, winning only two of their last 22 encounters. City remains unbeaten in their last 11 away games against Palace in the league since April 2015.
Crystal Palace is currently without a win in their last eight Premier League games. City has won four of their 10 Premier League away matches in 2026.
Rayan Cherki has been a key contributor for City, with 12 of his Premier League assists coming from open play. He leads the league in open play assists since the start of last season.
The match was played on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Source: skysports.com