Manchester City comfortably overcame Crystal Palace as Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland each scored twice, with Cherki’s creativity decisive after Palace had competed strongly early on. The result further eased concerns after City’s Community Shield setback and showed Enzo Maresca’s side adapting to midfield changes following the departures of Rodri and Bernardo Silva.

Haaland opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a looping header, extending his record of scoring in all six league appearances against Palace, before Cherki’s brilliant second-half skill helped City pull clear. Palace created chances through Adam Wharton, Eddie Nketiah and Daichi Kamada but remain without a point after two encouraging yet fruitless performances under Pierre Sage, while absences and possible departures have weakened their squad.