A brace from Rayan Cherki and another from Erling Haaland helped Manchester City secure their second win in as many league matches, beating Pierre Sage’s Crystal Palace 4-1 away on Friday.
Ayyoub Bouaddi, Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Premier League, Rayan Cherki, Erling Haaland, Morocco, football, soccer
Cherki struck twice in the second half, vindicating coach Enzo Maresca’s decision to hand him a starting role in south London, five days after he came off the bench to provide two assists in the 2-1 win over Bournemouth.
The French No. 10 first produced a superb solo run past three defenders before calmly slotting the ball past Dean Henderson with his left foot in the 54th minute to make it 2-0.
Five minutes later, he added another with a powerful right-footed effort from outside the box that took a slight deflection, making it 3-1. He celebrated the goal with a provocative pose in front of the home supporters.
The 23-year-old former Lyon player was loudly booed by the Selhurst Park crowd when he was substituted in the 82nd minute. Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who recently joined from Lille, came on during the stoppage.
Haaland also scored twice, heading home Antoine Semenyo’s cross in the 17th minute to give City the lead before firing the ball under the crossbar in the 84th minute to seal the 4-1 victory.
Dozens of supporters then left their seats, making Pierre Sage’s first home match in charge of the Eagles even more difficult.
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Crystal Palace had nevertheless made a strong start despite the absence of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and managed to pull one back when Yérémy Pino’s free kick hit the crossbar before rebounding off Gianluigi Donnarumma’s back and into the net in the 56th minute.
The London side, bottom of the Premier League on Friday night, will make the short trip to Fulham on Matchday 3, while Manchester City will host newly promoted Coventry.
