Haaland and Cherki Fire Manchester City to Palace Victory

Manchester City produced a dominant second-half display to defeat Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park on Friday, with Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both scoring twice.

City went into the interval with a narrow advantage after Haaland opened the scoring with a powerful header. Palace struggled to contain the visitors after the break as City increased the pressure and found greater freedom in attack.

Cherki doubled Manchester City's lead with an impressive individual effort, carrying the ball forward before finishing calmly to cap a superb run.

Palace briefly reduced the deficit when Yeremy Pino scored from a free-kick, although the goal came in unfortunate circumstances for City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Pino's set piece struck the woodwork before rebounding off Donnarumma and into the net. The goalkeeper was officially credited with an own goal, despite having little opportunity to prevent the ball from going in.

Cherki restored City's two-goal advantage soon afterwards, seeing his effort from outside the penalty area take a deflection before finding the back of the net.

Haaland then completed the scoring late in the match, firing a low left-footed shot past the Palace defence after being played through by Phil Foden.

The victory gives City further momentum after a less convincing start to their Premier League campaign. Pep Guardiola's side had fallen behind against Bournemouth in their opening match last Sunday before scoring late to secure victory.

Palace, meanwhile, face an early challenge after suffering their second consecutive defeat. Their campaign began with a 2-0 loss away to Everton, leaving them still searching for their first points of the season.