Cherki and Haaland fire City to statement win at Selhurst Park
City made it two wins from two under Enzo Maresca with a 4-1 demolition of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, a result that felt more convincing than even the scoreline suggests. After the opening-day victory over Bournemouth, this was a step up in authority.
Player Ratings v Crystal Palace
Season averagesErling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both scored twice, with Cherki producing the individual moments of the night. The Frenchman struggled before the break but came alive in the second half, scoring twice after finding life considerably more difficult earlier on.
Maresca described Cherki's display as a "complete" performance, pointing not only to the goals but also to the defensive responsibility he showed against Adam Wharton.
"First of all, he loves football," said the Italian, adding that this makes Cherki easier to work with. After two assists from the bench against Bournemouth and two goals here, the new signing has made an immediate impact on the season.
Haaland, meanwhile, continued his remarkable record against Palace. His double took him to ten goals in just six Premier League appearances against them, and Maresca suggested he could easily have had more.
"We need just to create chances for him," said the manager, and Haaland duly took them.
There was also a return to central defence for Marc Guéhi, who impressed in midfield against Bournemouth but lined up against his former club at the back here. Maresca was impressed again.
"It's what we need," he said, praising Guéhi's willingness to adapt and help the team in different positions.
The manager admitted City took a few minutes to get their pressing right, going about it "in the wrong way" initially before adjusting. Once they settled, the intensity was there.
Maresca highlighted the "sacrifice and the desire" his players showed, and believes combining that with the quality in the squad could take City a long way.
"If we are able to match the desire and intensity of different opponents," he said, City can "do something important".
Six points, six goals and a 4-1 win in the first away game of the season. A useful enough place to start.