Following an outstanding display against Bournemouth on the opening weekend, where he provided two assists in that emphatic comeback victory, Cherki opened his account for the season during a dominant second half from the Citizens at Selhurst Park.
Haaland had opened the scoring earlier with a textbook header on the back of an inviting cross from Antoine Semenyo, before adding a second – a close-range finish – with just over five minutes to play to make it 4-1.
Either side of Cherki’s double, Yeremy Pino pulled off a breathtaking free-kick from 28 yards, which silenced the raucous away supporters momentarily before the minority in south London resumed their celebration after 59 minutes.
Not only was this a memorable game for Cherki, but one too for Ayyoub Bouaddi, who made his City debut after joining the club from LOSC Lille for £86 million earlier this week.
Bouaddi could eventually become the replacement for Rodri, and although the club may be without the Spain international, the signing of Elliot Anderson has provided City with the security of having a talisman in midfield to control possession.
Of course, that’s what you’d expect from a player worth £116 million, but the former Nottingham Forest midfielder showcased his eye for goal when he forced Dean Henderson into a strong save, nearly making it 1-0 after seven minutes.
Only moments later, City came prancing again. This time it was Antoine Semenyo driving towards the byline and feeding Erling Haaland, whose weak backheel trickled towards Phil Foden, but despite showing energy in the early stages, he froze here as another huge chance faded away.
The control on display from Maresca’s side conveyed a stark reminder of what had unfolded only 86 seconds into the match, when Palace broke on a convincing counter-attack.
Adam Wharton, who was surpassed by only two players on the opening weekend for line-breaking passes completed, produced a wonderful, bobbling pass into Eddie Nketiah, who had a left-footed strike palmed out by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Eagles had their chances throughout the opening half and came awfully close on two occasions in as many minutes when, first, Jorgen Strand Larsen headed over the bar from inside the area before Tyrick Mitchell’s header flashed beyond the foot of Donnarumma’s post after 35 minutes.
But for all the traction they had built, it only took Haaland 17 minutes to continue his exceptional scoring form against this, for what it seems, cursed football club when it comes to facing the Norway international.
A simple run of right-to-left football ended with Semenyo establishing possession before floating an inch-perfect cross into Haaland, who scored his ninth goal against Palace since joining City in 2022.
Following the half-time break, City came out fighting for a more convincing lead and earned it when Cherki doubled the away side’s advantage via a slick passage of play which saw the Frenchman poke a simple yet chastening shot into the bottom corner of Henderson’s net.
Palace never fully recovered after that strike, despite Yeremy Pino scoring one of the goals of the season with a stunning free-kick that bounced off the crossbar, Donnarumma’s back and then the post to make it 2-1, but amidst the chaos came another goal for Maresca’s side.
This time, the build-up was subtle, but the key moment was much more abrupt. Cherki, who received the ball on the half-turn, drove towards goal before firing from 20 yards and scoring his second of the game in style.
Here’s how we rated the Manchester City players from their 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park!
Tested early and made a strong stop to ease early pressure. The shot-stopper was quick to corners and showed dominance in tight spaces. Could he have done anything about Pino’s free-kick? Could anyone have done anything? Wonderful strike.
Impressed once again and is clearly Enzo Maresca’s favourite option on the right side of defence. Showed calmness, sharpness and intelligence when deciding on whether to sit back or push up.
Strong in duels and even stronger when Palace countered. Dias stood tall and was patient when Nketiah broke free only 86 seconds into the game. Won plenty of headers in congested spaces and was controlling on corners.
Pushed into midfield frequently to emulate his role against Bournemouth last weekend, and it worked exceptionally well to provide back-up to Cherki, Foden, Semenyo and co.
Replaced after 75 minutes by Kovacic, but Gvardiol had done well throughout and was strong down the left alongside the likes of Cherki, Anderson and Semenyo. Quick feet, composed, everything you want.
Had his dancing feet on display here and was weaving in and around his Palace counterparts. Played the same role as Guehi last weekend and pulled it off well.
Anderson carried the ball well and showed the passion and composure that had reeled City in this past summer, working wonderfully inside alongside his teammates. A strong performance before being replaced by Bouaddi.
There’s a flair in Foden’s step after just two Premier League games, but he’s still lacking the confidence that we saw from him years ago. With Tuchel in attendance, he would have wanted to impress, and did to some degree during an okay showing.
Two assists last weekend and now two goals. An unbelievably talented player around the box and one who can bring an abundance of success to Manchester City this season if he continues his form.
Appeared motivated on the left and strived for fast, attacking football whenever he was involved. Worked particularly well with Cherki, who drifted to that side often and delivered the astonishing cross for the opener.
Opened his account with an impressive header before closing the game off perfectly, finishing past Henderson from close range. He, alongside several others for City, could have been POTM today. Great performance.
Just over 15 minutes for Kovacic and no complaints; worked well alongside Bouaddi.
Came off after 89 minutes and held in there well until the final whistle.
First taste of Premier League football only lasted around 10 minutes, but was adequate and somewhat involved in the final goal.
Had a shot late on that whistled past the post and looked full of energy after coming on in the 82nd minute.
A motivated substitution that helped see the game out.
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