Cherki double helps Manchester City cruise past Crystal Palace

LONDON : Rayan Cherki scored twice in the second half as Manchester City recovered from conceding an early goal to beat Crystal Palace 4-1 away on Friday and make it two wins from two Premier League matches.

Erling Haaland also scored twice as City followed last week’s unconvincing victory over Bournemouth with a much more commanding display.

Haaland opened the scoring in the first half with a header before Cherki took centre stage after the break.

The Frenchman, who joined City from Olympique Lyonnais for a reported 40 million euros, showed his pace and close control to weave through the Palace defence before beating Dean Henderson with a left-footed finish.

Palace pulled a goal back but Cherki restored City’s advantage almost immediately, effectively ending the hosts’ hopes of a comeback. Haaland completed the scoring late on.

Despite his two-goal contribution, Cherki was critical of his own performance.

“My performance is so-so. In the first half, we didn’t find the space, I played bad,” he said. “I need to show them I want to play, I want to score.”

Haaland praised the 22-year-old, who had only recently returned from the World Cup.

“It’s been a short pre-season. Rayan five weeks ago was at the World Cup. Game by game, we’ll be back,” the Norway striker said.

City’s victory gives new manager Enzo Maresca a perfect start to his first Premier League campaign, with the champions looking increasingly settled after two matches.