Manchester City made it two wins from two matches under new head coach Enzo Maresca after a ruthless second-half performance saw them brush aside Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park on Friday evening.
Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both scored twice as City moved through the gears after the break, following up last weekend’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth with another polished away display that leaves Maresca’s reign in perfect health.
Cherki inspires with quickfire brace
Haaland broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, rising to loop a header beyond Dean Henderson from an Antoine Semenyo cross to give City a lead they scarcely relinquished, even if the scoreline at the interval flattered Palace given the visitors’ territorial control.
The game was put beyond doubt in a frantic six-minute spell after the restart. Cherki, preferred to Rico Lewis in the only change to the side that beat Bournemouth, danced his way through the Palace defence to slot home City’s second in the 54th minute.
Palace hit back almost immediately when Yeremy Pino’s thunderous free-kick cannoned in off Gianluigi Donnarumma. Cherki, however, restored the two-goal cushion within minutes, drilling a finish past Henderson to complete his double. Haaland added gloss late on with a thumping strike to seal the rout.
Maresca praises work off the ball
City’s head coach was full of praise for the France international afterwards, though he made clear it was Cherki’s effort without the ball, rather than his finishing, that had impressed him most.
Speaking after the match, as reported by ESPN, Maresca said: “For sure he’s happy. But his performance for me was very good, not because of the two goals but the way he worked off the ball.”
He expanded on the point, highlighting the defensive discipline Cherki showed against a lively Palace side.
“He has to press, he was in charge when Palace had the ball, he was in charge of (Adam) Wharton, and I think his game was a complete game,” Maresca said.
The 23-year-old, who arrived at the Etihad with a reputation built on flair and creativity, has now been directly involved in four goals in his opening two Premier League appearances of the season. He also picked up two assists off the bench in the win over Bournemouth.
Maresca suggested the winger’s enthusiasm for the game has made the transition smoother than some might have expected.
“He loves football, which makes it much easier to work with him,” the head coach added.
Perfect start extended before Coventry test
The result means City have taken maximum points from their opening two league fixtures under Maresca.
Attention will briefly turn to the Premier League table, but the manner of Friday’s win at Selhurst Park will only sharpen expectations ahead of newly promoted Coventry City’s visit to the Etihad Stadium.
For Maresca, the early signs at his new club are encouraging. Two wins, an attacking blend of experience in Haaland and emerging talent in Cherki.
If Friday’s demolition of Palace is any indication, rivals across the division will already be taking note of what the Italian is building at the Etihad.
