EPL Match Day 2: Haaland and Cherki Shine in Dominant Win

Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 Premier League season with a commanding 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday night.

A superb brace from Erling Haaland alongside a brilliant display from Rayan Cherki ensured a comfortable away win for Enzo Maresca’s flying side.

City Unleash First-Half Dominance

Looking to build on their dramatic opening day 2-1 victory against Bournemouth, Manchester City controlled the tempo right from the kickoff in south London. It didn’t take long for the reigning champions to break the deadlock.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring early, climbing highest in the 17th minute to turn home a towering header and put the visitors ahead.

City’s summer signing Rayan Cherki then doubled the advantage before the break, continuing his sensational form under Maresca after providing two match-winning assists the previous weekend.

Freak Own Goal Sparks Brief Palace Hope

The hosts, managed by Pierre Sage, struggled to sustain possession but found a lifeline early in the second half through a chaotic sequence.

In the 57th minute, Crystal Palace winger Yeremy Pino curled a brilliant 30-yard free-kick toward the top corner. The ball thundered against the crossbar but ricocheted directly off the diving Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the back of the net, going down as an unfortunate own goal for the City keeper.

Cherki and Haaland Put the Game to Bed

Any thoughts of a Selhurst Park comeback were short-lived. Just two minutes after the freak goal, Cherki completely deflated the home crowd by restoring City’s two-goal cushion with a powerful strike from distance.

With six minutes remaining on the clock, Haaland put the final exclamation mark on a dominant team performance. Fed by Phil Foden, the Norwegian striker clinically slotted the ball past Dean Henderson at the near post to complete his brace and seal the 4-1 rout.

What This Means for the Premier League Table

The emphatic win moves Manchester City temporarily to the top of the Premier League table with a maximum of six points from their opening two matches. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace remain empty-handed following consecutive defeats to start their new campaign.