Haaland, Cherki braces keep Man City perfect with win over Palace


Rayan Cherki's quickfire double inspired Manchester City to a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace to spoil Pierre Sage's welcome party at Selhurst Park.

Erling Haaland, sporting a black armband in honour of the late Norwegian King Harald V -- whose death was announced earlier on Friday -- nodded in the 17th-minute opener as well as an 84th-minute cushion.

Enzo Maresca made just one change from their season-opening win over Bournemouth, with Cherki replacing Rico Lewis.

Erling Haaland scored twice in Manchester City's win over Crystal Palace.
Erling Haaland scored twice in Manchester City's win over Crystal Palace.
Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images

It proved prescient in a wild six-minute spell in the second half initiated by Cherki's first goal, in the 54th minute, before Gianluigi Donnarumma's own goal from Yeremy Pino's free kick.

Palace barely had a chance to celebrate before Cherki found the bottom corner three minutes later, and Haaland added a late second to make it two Premier League wins from two matches for the new City boss.