Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland both struck twice as Manchester City cruised to a convincing 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League, extending the Cityzens’ unbeaten league head-to-head record against the Eagles to 10 matches (W7, D3).

With Pierre Sage taking charge of Palace at Selhurst Park for the first time, the hosts almost made a perfect start inside the opening two minutes. Eddie Nketiah found space for an angled effort, but Gianluigi Donnarumma reacted quickly to make a sharp save at his near post.

The early warning appeared to wake City up, and the visitors soon created chances of their own. Elliot Anderson saw a long-range effort pushed away by Dean Henderson, before Haaland’s follow-up was blocked inside the six-yard box.

City eventually broke the deadlock in the 17th minute. Antoine Semenyo delivered a dangerous inswinging cross into the area, and Haaland produced a superb finish into the top corner to score his first goal of the new campaign.

Having gone unbeaten in all seven of their Premier League away matches in London last season (W4, D3), City had opportunities to extend their advantage before the half-hour mark. Phil Foden, however, was unable to convert two excellent chances inside the Palace penalty area.

The Eagles continued to threaten and nearly found an equaliser before the break. Tyrick Mitchell met a free header at the back post but could only guide his effort wide of the target.

Cherki Doubles City’s Advantage

Manchester City came out aggressively after the interval and were rewarded with a second goal in the 54th minute.

Foden picked out Rayan Cherki, who showed excellent close control to work his way past several challenges before calmly rolling the ball beyond Henderson.

Palace responded almost immediately, though, reducing the deficit in spectacular fashion. Yéremy Pino unleashed a powerful long-range free-kick that struck the post before rebounding off Donnarumma and ending up in the back of the net.

The goal briefly gave the hosts hope, but City quickly restored their two-goal advantage.

Shortly before the hour mark, Cherki unleashed a powerful effort from distance. The strike took a decisive deflection off Chris Richards, sending the ball into the top corner and giving Henderson no chance.

Haaland Adds the Finishing Touch

The goal proved to be a major setback for Palace, who struggled to regain control as City dictated the tempo.

The visitors continued to create opportunities and introduced new signing Ayyoub Bouaddi for his Manchester City debut during the final 10 minutes.

City eventually added a fourth goal late on, with Haaland completing his brace in emphatic fashion. The Norwegian striker finished into the roof of the net after being brilliantly picked out by Foden.

The result extended Crystal Palace’s winless Premier League run to nine matches (D2, L6), while City continued their impressive record against the Eagles and strengthened their early-season momentum.