Manchester City continued their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 4-1 victory away at Crystal Palace on Friday night. The win keeps the champions top of the table with a maximum six points from two games under new boss Enzo Maresca.
City now lead the Premier League by three points from Brighton, having scored seven goals and conceded just three for a +4 goal difference. The team will be without Jérémy Doku, who is currently sidelined.
Enzo Maresca's tenure began with a dramatic 2-1 win over Bournemouth last Saturday. The new manager saw his side secure all three points with late goals from defenders Marc Guéhi and Joško Gvardiol. That comeback victory at the Etihad Stadium set a positive tone for the post-Pep Guardiola era. It also provided early momentum heading into a tricky Friday night trip to south London.
The Friday night fixture at Selhurst Park kicked off at 8 p.m. BST, which was 3 p.m. ET in the United States and Canada. For Australian fans, the match began at 5 a.m. AEST on Saturday morning. Facing a Crystal Palace side also under new management in Pierre Sage, City produced a professional performance to secure the three points. The victory extended City's strong early-season form.
Broadcast details for City matches vary by region. In the United States, the game was shown on USA Network, accessible via streaming services like Sling TV. "Sling TV’s Blue plan includes USA Network, making it a great option for those wanting to watch Premier League action," an expert told CNET. The plan starts at $46 monthly and includes over 40 channels. In the United Kingdom, rights are held by Sky Sports, which will show at least 215 matches this season. Cord-cutters there can use Now, with a day pass costing £15. Canadian viewers can stream every match on Fubo, while Stan Sport holds the rights in Australia.
The result solidifies City's position at the summit of the standings. With two wins from two, the team has immediately adapted to Maresca's methods. The performance at Selhurst Park, achieved without the injured Doku, shows the team's attacking strength. New signing Axel Disasi, a French international defender who joined Palace on loan from Chelsea this week, was part of the opposition City overcame. The team's depth will be tested as they prepare for the visit of Coventry, who currently sit 18th.
City's early-season form has been impressive, combining the late drama of the opening day with a dominant display on the road. Maintaining this pace will be the challenge for Maresca and his players as they look to defend their title. The full squad available for selection is listed on our squad page.
