Haaland double helps Manchester City overpower Crystal Palace

Manchester City extended their winning start to the Premier League season with a convincing 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday, with Erling Haaland scoring twice.

Haaland opened the scoring in the first half before Rayan Cherki added two more for the visitors. Palace briefly reduced the deficit through an own goal by City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but Haaland struck again late on to complete an emphatic win for Manchester City.

City arrived in south London looking to build on their late victory over AFC Bournemouth the previous weekend. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, were still searching for their first win after a 2-0 defeat by Everton.

Palace made the livelier start, with Yeremy Pino causing problems for the City defence in the final third. However, the visitors gradually established control as Elliot Anderson and Cherki helped City settle into the contest.

The deadlock was broken in the 16th minute when Haaland, last season’s leading scorer, met a cross from Antoine Semenyo and headed past Dean Henderson. It was Haaland’s first goal of the season under the new manager.

Crystal Palace struggled to create clear opportunities after falling behind and City came close to doubling their advantage before half-time. A well-worked passing move ended with Anderson finding Phil Foden unmarked inside the penalty area, but Foden lifted his effort over the crossbar with only Henderson to beat.

Cherki restores City’s control

City carried their momentum into the second half and increased their lead eight minutes after the restart. Foden supplied Cherki, who collected the pass before moving beyond three Palace defenders and nudging the ball into the net.

Palace were handed a route back into the match when a Pino free-kick struck the upright and then rebounded off Donnarumma before crossing the line. The goal was recorded as an own goal for the City goalkeeper.

The home side’s hopes of mounting a comeback did not last long. Cherki soon restored City’s two-goal advantage, creating space just outside the penalty area before sending a powerful shot into the top corner to complete his brace.

Haaland then put the result beyond doubt in the final six minutes. Foden worked his way into the box and picked out the striker, who took a single touch before driving the ball beyond Henderson.

The victory maintained Manchester City’s perfect start, while Crystal Palace remain without a win from their opening fixtures.

Palace’s next league match is away to Fulham, followed by a home game against Ipswich Town and a fixture against Leeds United at Crystal Palace.

Manchester City will host Coventry City next. They then travel to Manchester United before welcoming Sunderland.