Manchester City kicked off their Premier League season with a dominant 4-1 away win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday night. Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both scored twice to secure all three points for Enzo Maresca's side, who now sit seventh in the table with three points from one game.
This result, reported by The Guardian Football, gives City a positive goal difference of +1 after scoring two and conceding one so far this season. The victory also marked a significant milestone for manager Enzo Maresca, as it was his first away win in charge of the club.
How did Manchester City dominate the match?
City controlled the game from the outset and took the lead in the 16th minute through Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker doubled his tally late in the game, finding the net again in the 85th minute. In between, French midfielder Rayan Cherki took center stage with a quickfire second-half brace, scoring in the 54th and 59th minutes to put the result beyond doubt.
Crystal Palace's solitary reply came from an unfortunate own goal by City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 57th minute, deflecting a Yeremy Pino free-kick into his own net. The home side were temporarily reduced to ten men due to a slow substitution process. City's dominance was reflected in their 78% possession during the second half, although Phil Foden did miss a huge chance to add to the scoreline.
What did the players say after the win?
Midfielder Elliot Anderson, who received a yellow card in the 56th minute, reflected on his first start. "I’m always nervous when I go on the pitch but my first start at the Etihad was pretty special," Anderson said. "It’s a big price tag, which everyone is going on about, but I’m just trying to do my best."
Two-goal hero Rayan Cherki was candid about his own performance. "My performance was so-so, because in first half we didn’t find the space and I played so shit," Cherki admitted. "I looked to Enzo and I knew I needed to change it for the second half."
Who featured for Manchester City at Selhurst Park?
Maresca made use of his squad depth with substitutions in the 75th, 81st, and 89th minutes. High-profile substitutes included £85m signing Ayyoub Bouaddi and Jamie McAidoo, both of whom made their Premier League debuts. They were joined by Mateo Kovacic, Vitor Reis, and Kaden Braithwaite from the bench.
The team sheet also featured winger Kamaldeen Sulemana and the aforementioned Donnarumma in goal. The victory was achieved without several key players, as Jeremy Doku, Rory McAidoo, and Matheus Nunes are currently sidelined, according to the club's injuries page.
What's next for Manchester City?
With the first three points secured, City's focus shifts to their next Premier League fixture. They host 19th-placed Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, September 5th. Fans can track the team's schedule on our fixtures page.
The comprehensive win provides a solid foundation for the campaign. City will aim to build momentum and climb the standings as they manage a squad navigating early-season absences. The performance of new signings and returning players will be key as the fixture list develops.
