Rayan Cherki’s two-goal performance propelled Manchester City to a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Friday at Selhurst Park, marking City’s second consecutive win under new head coach Enzo Maresca. The 23-year-old French midfielder, who had been left out of the starting lineup in City’s season opener against Bournemouth, seized his opportunity with a commanding display that included two goals and significant defensive work.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a powerful header, his first goals since adopting a closely cropped hairstyle. Palace briefly equalized through an own goal by City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who inadvertently redirected a Yeremy Pino free-kick into the net. Cherki restored City’s lead in the 54th minute with a composed finish after weaving past multiple defenders and sealed the victory with a precise low shot five minutes later. Haaland added a late fourth goal, completing City’s dominant performance.

Maresca praised Cherki not only for his goals but particularly for his work rate off the ball, noting the midfielder’s pressing and marking responsibilities throughout the match. “He was in charge when Palace had the ball,” Maresca said, highlighting Cherki’s role in containing Adam Wharton. The new coach also emphasized Cherki’s enthusiasm for the game and his increasing contribution to the team’s offensive and defensive phases.

Manchester City also featured the Premier League debut of teenage Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, signed recently from Lille for a reported £86 million ($116 million), who came on in the closing minutes.

For Crystal Palace, the defeat marked a challenging start under newly appointed manager Pierre Sage, who took over from Oliver Glasner during the close season. Sage’s lineup was affected by the absence of key players Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta. Sage confirmed Sarr was sidelined due to a groin issue, while Mateta sustained a muscle injury in training and is expected to be out for around four weeks. Both players have been linked with transfers ahead of the closing window on Tuesday.

Moreover, Palace grappled with off-field disruptions as their prominent supporter group, the Holmesdale Fanatics, chose to suspend all organized stadium activities. The group cited concerns over high ticket prices, restrictive policies, and treatment of fans as reasons for their decision, which affected the atmosphere at Selhurst Park.

Sage also addressed selection questions following the decision to leave right-back Daniel Munoz on the bench. Munoz, a regular under Glasner and reportedly targeted by Nottingham Forest, did not feature against City due to a “sports decision,” according to Sage.

With the Premier League campaign still in its early stages, Manchester City appear to be rapidly adapting to Maresca’s leadership, while Crystal Palace face the challenge of integrating new personnel and maintaining squad fitness as they seek better results.