On Friday, Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both found the net twice as Pep Guardiola’s side dominated Manchester City at Selhurst Park and were 4-1 winners. City started the attack in the 17th minute with Haaland rising above the Palace defence to handle Antoine Semenyo’s cross. The Norwegian forward curled a header over the left-footed goalkeeper, Dean Henderson, to find the net.
But it was a rollercoaster end-to-end affair at Crystal Palace and they were almost on the scoreboard again in the 21st minute when Phil Foden was denied by City. The hosts had equal chances just minutes after the restart but Eddie Nketiah was unable to convert a promising chance which could have levelled the score for Palace.
City soon got them to pay for it. In the 54th minute, however, Cherki doubled the lead, with superb close control and composure after beating his way past the Palace defence to get past a few fire ants and into the box.
After a burst of activity Palace responded almost in time to give them some hope but City were not about to give up control of the encounter.
Cherki was still a trouble-maker in the last quarter and Haaland was a relentless danger in the penalty area. It eventually became a competitive game before it turned into a competitive win as both players finally got their chances to finish their brace for City.
The outcome will allow City to take maximum points in their first two home games, and will give them a boost after their impressive first campaign. Palace, who had chance to trouble the visitors, especially in the first half, will feel disappointed after losing the game.
The two goals from Haaland and the two goals with Cherki highlight his continued value to City’s attack and the attacking talent that is available to Guardiola as the champions surge forward.
