Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season on Friday, securing a commanding 4-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The win marks back-to-back victories for the club, while Crystal Palace continues to struggle, having opened their campaign with two straight defeats following an earlier loss to Everton.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a header before halftime. Rayan Cherki then extended the lead with a brilliant individual dribble and finish, later adding a second goal via a deflected strike from the edge of the penalty area. Palace briefly found a glimmer of hope when a Yeremy Pino freekick struck the woodwork and rebounded off City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for an own goal. However, Haaland ultimately sealed the result with a clinical left-footed strike, assisted by Phil Foden, who provided two assists during the match.
Reflecting on the transition under new manager Enzo Maresca, Haaland told Sky Sports, “It was a step up, but we will make it.” He emphasized the squad’s commitment to the new tactical direction, noting, “It is a new manager but most of us have been playing together. We have to trust the new manager and what he wants us to do.”
Cherki, who earned Player of the Match honors, addressed the shift in the club’s era following Pep Guardiola’s tenure. “With Pep we had a big story. Now we start another one and we are here for that,” he stated. The playmaker added that his primary focus is supporting his teammate, saying, “I want to show Enzo I can play balls for Haaland, and help him score goals.”
The match also provided a look at the future of the squad, as 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi made his debut in the final minutes. Bouaddi was recently acquired from Lille for a reported fee of 86 million pounds ($116m). City’s performance marked a significant improvement from their opening weekend, where they relied on a late comeback against Bournemouth to secure three points.
Looking ahead, the team remains focused on maintaining this momentum. Cherki noted the collective effort required to integrate the squad’s talent, stating, “We have so many good players and we have to fit everyone in. We all have to work hard, and Foden too, this is the step in the right direction for us.” The report also notes that teenage Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, signed from Lille for 86 million pounds ($116m) this week, came off the bench for his debut in the closing m, in a glimpse into what City hope is a bright future after Guardiola.
