Cherki shines as Manchester City thrash Crystal Palace 4-1 to stay top

Rayan Cherki delivered a two-goal, one-assist performance as Manchester City dismantled Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park on Wednesday, moving Enzo Maresca’s side to the top of the Premier League with a perfect six points from their opening two games.

Cherki, handed his first league start of the campaign after two assists off the bench the previous weekend, set the tone with a composed display despite picking up a first-half yellow card. His defining moment came when he slalomed past three Palace defenders to double City’s lead after Erling Haaland had headed the opener. When Yeremy Pino pulled one back for Palace with a direct free-kick that deflected in off Gianluigi Donnarumma, Cherki responded almost immediately, stroking in a third to restore the two-goal cushion. Haaland added a fourth late on to complete the rout.

For all Cherki’s brilliance, Maresca will have taken particular satisfaction from Haaland’s opener — a well-timed header set up by a precise cross from Antoine Semenyo, exactly the kind of wide-forward contribution the manager demands from his wingers.

City played with a confidence that belied a squad still finding full fitness. Phil Foden spurned two good chances, while Nico O’Reilly impressed in midfield alongside a Marc Guehi who looked assured in his preferred centre-back role next to Ruben Dias. Elliot Anderson also produced what observers described as his best performance in a City shirt.

The one note of caution came from the bench. Maresca did not make a substitution until the 75th minute, and when he did, the options available included two academy players and three others whose futures at the club remain uncertain before the transfer window closes. Young winger Ryan McAidoo was on the pitch for Haaland’s fourth, while new signing Ayyoub Bouaddi showed promise with a clever ball to release Semenyo in injury time.

The result flatters the depth of the squad Maresca currently has at his disposal. With four competitions ahead, the final days of the window will likely determine whether this bright start can be sustained.