Lavix Sports Analysis

Crystal Palace 1-4 Manchester City: Haaland and Cherki Shine as City Secure Big Away Win Manchester City produced an impressive attacking display at Selhurst Park, beating Crystal

By Lavix Sports · 29 August 2026

Updated: 29 August 2026 at 10:43 EAT

Crystal Palace 1-4 Manchester City: Haaland and Cherki Shine as City Secure Big Away Win

Manchester City produced an impressive attacking display at Selhurst Park, beating Crystal Palace 4-1 on Friday night to make it two wins from two at the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland were the stars of the night, with both players scoring twice as Manchester City showed their attacking quality under new manager Enzo Maresca.

The result gives City maximum points from their opening two league matches, while Crystal Palace are still searching for their first point of the campaign.

Crystal Palace 1-4 Manchester City: Match Result

Crystal Palace 1-4 Manchester City

Goals:

- 17' — Erling Haaland
- 54' — Rayan Cherki
- 56' — Gianluigi Donnarumma own goal
- 59' — Rayan Cherki
- 85' — Erling Haaland

The match was played at Selhurst Park with kick-off at 20:00 BST on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Haaland Gives City the Lead

Manchester City made the breakthrough in the 17th minute.

Antoine Semenyo delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area and Erling Haaland rose above the Palace defence to send a looping header beyond goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Palace had opportunities of their own, but City looked increasingly comfortable as the first half progressed. Phil Foden also came close, although his effort went over the crossbar.

City went into half-time with a 1-0 advantage.

Cherki Changes the Game

Rayan Cherki was one of the biggest talking points before kick-off, and the French attacker delivered a decisive performance.

The 23-year-old doubled City's advantage in the 54th minute after producing excellent footwork inside the Palace defence before calmly finishing.

Palace responded almost immediately. A Yeremy Pino free-kick struck the crossbar before rebounding off Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and eventually going into the net.

That gave Palace hope at 2-1, but City quickly restored their two-goal advantage.

Cherki struck again in the 59th minute, with his shot taking a deflection off Chris Richards before finding the net.

Haaland Completes the Rout

Manchester City continued to threaten as Palace struggled to contain the visitors' attacking movement.

The final goal arrived in the 85th minute.

Phil Foden drove forward before finding Haaland, who produced a powerful left-footed finish into the top corner.

The goal completed Haaland's brace and secured a convincing 4-1 victory for City.

Key Battles: What Decided the Match?

Rayan Cherki vs Crystal Palace's Defence

This was arguably the most important individual battle of the match.

Cherki's movement, close control and ability to attack defenders created major problems for Palace. His two goals ultimately made the difference and earned him widespread praise for his performance.

Manchester City have now seen early signs that Cherki can become an important attacking player under Maresca.

Erling Haaland vs Palace's Centre-Backs

Haaland's physical presence was another major problem for Palace.

His opening goal demonstrated his aerial threat, while his second showed his ability to finish quickly with his left foot.

Two goals from the Norwegian gave City the cutting edge they needed in the final third.

Phil Foden's Creativity

Foden did not score, but he played an important role in City's victory.

He assisted Haaland for the fourth goal and was involved in City's attacking combinations throughout the match.

Maresca also highlighted Foden's adaptability, noting that the England international was increasingly comfortable playing centrally behind Haaland late in the game.

Team News and Starting Lineups

Manchester City's starting XI included Gianluigi Donnarumma, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O'Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Marc Guéhi, Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo and Erling Haaland.

Crystal Palace started with Dean Henderson, Anan Khalaili, Ismaïla Canvot, Chris Richards, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Tyrick Mitchell, Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Yeremy Pino, Eddie Nketiah and Jørgen Strand Larsen.

Manchester City also introduced new signing Ayyoub Bouaddi from the bench during the second half.

What the Result Means for Manchester City

The victory represents an excellent start to the Maresca era.

City now have six points from their first two Premier League matches, following their opening-day victory over Bournemouth.

More importantly, the performance demonstrated that City possess several different attacking threats. Haaland provided the finishing, Cherki supplied individual brilliance, while Foden contributed creativity.

There are still areas for Maresca to improve, particularly after Palace managed to create chances and score through an unfortunate Donnarumma own goal. However, winning 4-1 away from home represents a strong statement at the beginning of the season.

What Next for Crystal Palace?

For Crystal Palace, the result leaves them without a point from their opening two league matches.

Pierre Sage's side showed attacking intent at periods of the game but struggled to maintain pressure against City's possession and movement.

Palace will need to improve defensively and become more clinical when opportunities arrive if they are to move up the table.

Final Verdict

Manchester City deserved their 4-1 victory after producing a stronger second-half performance at Selhurst Park.

Haaland's two goals and Cherki's brace were the headline moments, while Foden's creativity and City's overall attacking quality made the difference.

For Maresca, the result provides another encouraging step as he attempts to establish his own identity at Manchester City.

For Palace, there is plenty to work on—but the season is still in its early stages.

Final score: Crystal Palace 1-4 Manchester City.

Match facts at a glance

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