Rayan Cherki delivered a dazzling performance that evoked memories of Lionel Messi, guiding Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City to a flawless Premier League win, 4‑1, over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The French playmaker, wearing the iconic No 10 jersey synonymous with the Argentine maestro, slipped through the Palace back line with a series of quick, deft touches before sliding the ball past a stranded Dean Henderson to make it 2‑0.
The opening goal had come from Erling Haaland, who headed in his first strike of the season in the first half. Haaland’s early advantage came after a lively start in Pierre Sage’s debut at Selhurst. The Norwegian forward rose above Chris Richards and powered a header into the net, giving City the initial lead.
While the crowd were still applauding Cherki’s brilliant equaliser, fellow Frenchman Yeremy Pino added flair by beating a wall from about 25 yards. His curling free‑kick struck the post, rebounded off goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and was recorded as an own‑goal against the Italian custodian. Only five minutes after his solo masterpiece, Cherki responded to Palace’s brief surge of momentum with a daring strike that glanced off a defender and slipped past Henderson, restoring City’s dominance.
Palace threatened intermittently, their best chance falling to Tyrick Mitchell, whose close‑range header drifted wide. In the closing stages Haaland completed his brace with a low, rasping finish past Henderson, sealing the contest. The home side remain eager for their first win under new manager Pierre Sage. Maresca’s side, now two‑for‑two in the league, displayed the kind of commanding scoreline that fans of the previous manager would have expected.
--- **Key Match Moments** - **7′ – Chaos in the Box:** Cherki’s short corner caused a scramble inside Palace’s penalty area, nearly resulting in a City goal. - **17′ – Haaland’s Header:** Rising above Richards, Haaland met a cross from the left wing and sent a looping header over Henderson. - **21′ – Foden’s Miss:** Phil Foden, with only the keeper to beat, clanged his header over the bar, leaving City with a missed opportunity.
- **28′ – Another Foden Miss:** Unmarked and with a clear view of the net, Foden’s header went off target, allowing Palace to clear the danger. - **35′ – Wharton’s Cross Missed:** Palace’s right‑winger Wharton delivered a pinpoint cross to Mitchell, whose downward header sailed wide. - **54′ – Cherki’s Second Goal:** Receiving a pass from Foden, Cherki weaved through a cluster of defenders and finished delicately with the outside of his boot. - **56′ – Pino’s Free‑Kick:** A beautifully curled free‑kick from Pino struck the woodwork, rebounded off Donnarumma, and crossed the line for an own‑goal.
- **59′ – Cherki’s Long‑Range Strike:** After finding space in Palace’s half, Cherki dropped his shoulder, created a shooting angle and unleashed a powerful shot that deflected off Richards before rattling the net. - **84′ – Haaland’s Second Goal:** Marc Guehi intercepted a pass from Richards, fed Foden, who drove forward and set up Haaland for his second goal of the night. --- **Post‑Match Reactions** *Rayan Cherki to Sky Sports:* “My performance was average. In the first half we struggled to find space and I felt I wasn’t at my best.
When I saw Enzo wanting to rotate me, I wanted to prove I belong, to score and to assist Erling. I didn’t provide many chances for him today, but next time I’ll try to link up more.” On his opening goal, Cherki added, “When Erling wasn’t receiving the ball, my instinct took over. I’m thrilled with the win and looking forward to next week.” *Erling Haaland’s comment:* “Just say what you really mean – you scored two top‑class goals!” *Cherki’s reply:* “That’s nothing. I want to keep delivering goals for him.” *Enzo Maresca on the encounter:* “The pitch was tough, we knew that early on.
After the initial period we took control. The intensity and desire of the squad were excellent.” Regarding Cherki, Maresca said, “He’s already helping us and will be crucial in the future. He’s a quality player – two assists against Bournemouth, two goals today.
He also worked hard off the ball, pressing Wharton and showing great work‑rate.” On Phil Foden, Maresca noted, “He’s been shifted a bit wider. He’s not a natural winger, but we’re experimenting. In the final minutes he seemed more comfortable inside, and his attitude has been very positive, which is what we need.” *Pierre Sage, Palace manager, on his side’s display:* “We managed to stay competitive for about 60‑65 minutes, but after the substitutions the team’s energy dropped, which frustrates me.” He continued, “I’m angry with both the bench and myself because we need to function as a unit.
We created several chances, but tactical errors, especially not closing down inside, cost us. The fatigue was evident, and substituting tired players didn’t solve the problem. We’re behind in pre‑season preparation, which forced us to make early changes, but you can’t replace energy with fresh legs alone.” On the future of Daniel Muñoz, Sage said, “If he’s with us today, it’s because he’s part of the plan.
The same answer holds after the match.” *Jamie Redknapp, Sky Sports commentator, at Selhurst Park:* “Cherki painted a masterpiece with that first goal. He had an incredible impact on the game. He’s a genius; the things he can do with a football are extraordinary.
He provides that X‑factor every team dreams of.” --- Overall, Manchester City’s blend of individual brilliance and collective discipline ensured a dominant performance, while Crystal Palace will look to regroup and find consistency under Sage’s stewardship as the season progresses.