Rayan Cherki delivered a dazzling performance that recalled the magic of Lionel Messi, guiding Enzo Maresca's Manchester City to a flawless 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and keeping their Premier League record unblemished. From the outset, the French playmaker, wearing the iconic No.10 jersey synonymous with the Argentine legend, slipped past Palace's defensive line with the elegance of a seasoned dribbler. He calmly slotted the ball past a bewildered Dean Henderson, extending City’s lead to 2-0.
The opening goal had come moments earlier when Erling Haaland, finally finding the net for the first time this season, rose above Chris Richards to head home a cross from the left wing. The early exchange set the tone: Haaland’s powerful header gave City the initial edge, while Cherki’s swift, incisive move demonstrated his capacity to change a game in an instant. After the applause for Cherki’s strike began to fade, Yeremy Pino added his own flair, taking a free‑kick from about 25 yards out, curling it over the wall and into the side netting. The ball ricocheted off Gianluigi Donnarumma’s frame and was recorded as an own‑goal for the Italian goalkeeper.
Only five minutes later, Palace tried to revive their momentum, but Cherki answered with a bold, instinctive strike. The shot glanced off a defender, altered its trajectory and slipped past Henderson, restoring City’s dominance. Throughout the second half, Palace threatened intermittently, with Tyrick Mitchell squandering a close‑range header that could have narrowed the gap.
Yet City’s relentless pressure paid off when Haaland, ever the poacher, netted a second goal – a rasping finish that left Henderson with little chance to intervene. Maresca’s side now boasted two wins from two league fixtures, delivering a scoreline reminiscent of the standards set by his predecessor.
The match also featured a series of notable moments that highlighted both individual brilliance and occasional missed opportunities. For instance, Phil Foden, who had several clear chances inside the Palace box, was unable to convert, his head and foot shots either soaring over the bar or being comfortably cleared by the home side. Meanwhile, Palace’s own creative spark came from Wharton, whose precise cross found Mitchell, only for the latter’s header to drift wide. Cherki’s contribution extended beyond his two goals.
In the 54th minute, he received a pass from Foden inside the penalty area, evaded a cluster of defenders with a deft turn, and finished delicately with the outside of his boot, sending the ball curling beyond Henderson’s reach. Two minutes later, Pino’s spectacular free‑kick struck the woodwork, rebounded onto the City goalkeeper’s back and finally crossed the line, adding to the tally as an own‑goal. The third Cherki strike arrived in the 59th minute. After Palace left him too much space in midfield, he dropped his shoulder, created a shooting angle and unleashed a powerful long‑range effort that glanced off Richards before finding the net.
This goal marked his second of the night and underscored his growing influence on the match. Late in the game, Haaland completed his brace.
A quick interception by Marc Guehi from a Richards pass allowed Foden to drive forward and set up Haaland, who calmly slotted home his second, sealing a comprehensive win for City. Post‑match, Cherki spoke modestly to Sky Sports, describing his display as "so‑so" and admitting the first half felt cramped: "In the first half, we didn’t find the space. I played so ****." He added that he wanted to prove his worth to Enzo Maresca, promising more assists and goals in future outings. When asked about his opening goal, he said, "When Erling didn’t get the ball, it was instinct.
I’m very happy for the win today. See you next week." Haaland, ever supportive, replied, "Just say what you actually mean. You scored two top goals!" to which Cherki responded, "That is nothing.
I want to give a goal for him." Maresca praised his side’s resilience, noting the challenging pitch but emphasizing the team’s control and intensity after the early stages. He highlighted Cherki’s off‑the‑ball work, his influence on Wharton, and his overall quality, referencing the Frenchman’s two assists against Bournemouth and his two goals at Selhurst Park. Regarding Phil Foden, Maresca acknowledged the youngster’s adaptation to a wider role, observing that Foden seemed more comfortable inside the box during the final minutes and commended his attitude. Palace manager Pierre Sage expressed frustration with his squad’s energy levels after making substitutions, admitting that the changes seemed to sap the team’s momentum.
He lamented the tactical mistake of not tightening the defensive shape, which allowed City to exploit the gaps and score. Sage also defended his decision to rotate players, citing fatigue and the need to manage a delayed pre‑season schedule, while insisting he would stand by his team throughout the campaign. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp summed up Cherki’s impact, declaring, "Cherki painted a masterpiece with that first goal.
He had an amazing effect on the game. He is a genius, the things that he can do with a football.
He gives you that X factor." Overall, the match showcased Manchester City’s attacking depth, the emergence of Cherki as a decisive creative force, and the growing pains of a Palace side still adjusting to a new manager. With this win, City continue their pursuit of the league title, while Palace must regroup and find consistency if they hope to secure their first victory under Sage’s stewardship.