Haaland, Cherki fires Man City to 4-1 rout at Palace

Erling Haaland struck twice and Rayan Cherki added a brace as Manchester City cruised to a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Friday (August 28), making it two wins from two at the start of their Premier League campaign.

City took control in the 17th minute when Haaland rose to meet Antoine Semenyo’s cross and guided a looping header beyond Dean Henderson for his first league goal of the season.

Palace threatened in an open contest, with Phil Foden sending an effort over the bar before the hosts missed a major opportunity early in the second half.

Cherki doubled City’s advantage in the 54th minute, weaving through the Palace defence before finishing from close range.

Palace pulled one back just two minutes later in bizarre fashion. Yeremy Pino’s free kick struck the crossbar, bounced off City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, hit the post and finally went into the net.

Any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished as Cherki restored City’s two-goal cushion in the 59th minute, his deflected effort taking a decisive touch off Chris Richards on its way into the net.

Haaland then completed the rout five minutes from time, collecting Foden’s pass before firing a powerful left-footed finish past Henderson.

The result gives City maximum points from their opening two league matches and underlines their early-season attacking form.