Haaland and Cherki doubles send Man City to EPL win at Crystal Palace

Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki each scored twice as Manchester City secured a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday, extending their winning start to the Premier League season under new manager Enzo Maresca.

Manchester City took the lead before halftime through a header from Haaland. The visiting side broadened their advantage in the second half, led by a standout display from Cherki, who scored after a skillful dribble and finish before adding a second goal via a deflected effort from the edge of the penalty area.

Crystal Palace briefly responded when a free kick from Yeremy Pino struck the woodwork and rebounded into the net off Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was credited with an own goal. City quickly quelled any potential comeback when Haaland collected a pass from Phil Foden and finished with a left-footed strike to complete his double. Foden ended the night with two assists, while Cherki was named Player of the Match.

The match also featured the debut of teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who made a late appearance off the bench following his 86 million pound ($116 million) transfer from Lille earlier in the week.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Haaland addressed the team's adaptation to Maresca following the departure of former manager Pep Guardiola.

"It was a step up, but we will make it," Haaland said. "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. 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."

Cherki, who earned his starting position after coming off the bench to provide two assists in City's season-opening win against Bournemouth, reflected on the team's transition and his partnership with Haaland.

"With Pep we had a big story. Now we start another one and we are here for that," Cherki told Sky Sports. "I want to show Enzo I can play balls for Haaland, and help him score goals. When Haaland gave me the ball, then I did my thing. But I just want to give him goals."

The result maintains Manchester City's perfect start to the Premier League season following their opening-day win against Bournemouth. For Crystal Palace, the defeat marks a second consecutive loss to begin their campaign, following a 2-0 defeat against Everton last weekend.