Rayan Cherki provided a dazzling display that reminded many of Lionel Messi, guiding Enzo Maresca's Manchester City to a flawless Premier League performance with a 4-1 triumph over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The French winger, wearing the iconic No. 10 jersey synonymous with the Argentine legend, navigated through Palace's defensive lines with a blend of close‑control dribbling and clever movement, eventually slipping the ball past a stranded Dean Henderson to double City’s lead. This came after Erling Haåland had already opened the scoring in the first half, marking his first goal of the campaign.
The match began energetically, with Haåland asserting his aerial dominance by rising above Chris Richards to head the opening goal from a well‑placed cross. The early strike set the tone, but it was Cherki’s subsequent solo effort that truly captured the imagination of the crowd. After his initial goal, the applause lingered briefly before Yeremi Pino added a touch of individual brilliance, curling a free‑kick from 25 yards that struck the woodwork before ricocheting off Gianluigi Donnarumma, ultimately being recorded as an own‑goal against the Italian keeper.
Five minutes later, with Palace attempting to regain momentum, Cherki responded with a bold strike that deflected off Henderson, further cementing his influence on the game. Palace continued to press, creating several chances, the most notable being a close‑range header from Tyrick Mitchell that failed to find the target.
Haåland later sealed the match with a second, powerful finish that left Henderson with little chance of a save. Maresca’s side now sit unbeaten after two league matches, delivering a dominant scoreline reminiscent of the standards set by his predecessor.
The victory also highlighted the tactical flexibility of the City side, who adapted to the physical nature of Selhurst Park while maintaining control of possession and creating numerous high‑quality opportunities. Beyond the goals, the match featured a series of notable moments captured in the broadcast. At the 7‑minute mark, Cherki’s short corner caused chaos inside the Palace penalty area.
By the 17th minute, Haåland leapt above Richards to meet a cross from the left wing, delivering a looping header that flew over Henderson. Phil Foden, despite his reputation, missed two clear chances: first a header he clutched in his hands at 21 minutes, then another at 28 minutes where he failed to connect despite being unmarked.
Palace’s own chances were equally dramatic; at 35 minutes, Wharton’s precise cross found Mitchell, whose header drifted wide. The second half saw Cherki’s continued brilliance.
At 54 minutes, he received a pass from Foden, slipped past a cluster of defenders, and finished delicately with the outside of his boot, sending the ball beyond Henderson’s reach. Two minutes later, Pino’s spectacular free‑kick curled over the wall, struck the post, rebounded off Donnarumma, and crossed the line for an own‑goal.
By the 59th minute, Cherki added a second goal: after shielding the ball from a defender, he unleashed a long‑range effort that deflected off Richards before nestling in the net. Late in the game, Haåland completed his brace after Marc Guehi intercepted a pass and fed Foden, whose run into the box set up the Norwegian striker for the final goal at the 84th minute. In post‑match interviews, Cherki described his performance as "so‑so," admitting that the first half felt cramped and he struggled to find space.
He expressed a desire to prove his worth to manager Enzo Maresca, emphasizing his ambition to score and assist more frequently, particularly for Haåland. When asked about his opening goal, Cherki said it was instinctive and he was thrilled with the win, promising to return next week. Haåland humorously encouraged Cherki to speak plainly, praising the quality of his two goals, while Cherki modestly replied that he simply wanted to contribute.
Maresca praised the team’s resilience, noting the challenging pitch conditions but highlighting the squad’s intensity and desire. He singled out Cherki’s off‑the‑ball work, his control of the midfield, and his hard‑working attitude, recalling Cherki’s previous two assists against Bournemouth as evidence of his growing influence. Regarding Phil Foden, Maresca acknowledged the youngster’s experimentation with a wider role, noting that while Foden is not a traditional winger, the coaching staff are exploring ways to maximize his impact, especially during the final minutes when his enjoyment of the game was evident. Palace manager Pierre Sage reflected on his side’s effort, stating that they managed to stay competitive for the first 60‑65 minutes before substitutions led to a dip in energy.
He expressed frustration with both the tactical decisions and the players’ fatigue, emphasizing the need for cohesive squad play rather than isolated effort. Sage also addressed the future of Daniel Muñoz, confirming his continued involvement with the club.
Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp lauded Cherki’s performance, calling it a masterpiece and highlighting his "X factor" – the ability to produce moments of magic that can change the course of a match. Overall, the encounter showcased Manchester City’s attacking depth, with Cherki emerging as a key creative outlet, Haåland delivering clinical finishing, and the team as a whole demonstrating why they remain favorites in the league. Palace, despite the loss, displayed moments of promise and will look to regroup under Sage’s guidance as they seek their first victory of the season.