Rayan Cherki admits frustration at planned substitution after scoring twice for Manchester City

Rayan Cherki described his performance as only “average” despite scoring twice in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace, and revealed he was unhappy when manager Enzo Maresca appeared ready to substitute him.

Cherki’s two goals helped City make it two wins from two at the start of the Premier League season. Erling Haaland also scored twice, while Crystal Palace’s only goal came through an own goal by City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Cherki said: “My performance was average. In the first half I played very badly and we did not find enough space.”

The France international added: “When I saw Maresca preparing to take me off, I did not like it. I wanted to show them that I wanted to play, score goals and provide an assist for Haaland.”

Cherki completed his double after already creating both of City’s goals in their opening-day victory over Bournemouth. His fast start means he has now registered two goals and two assists in his first two league appearances for Manchester City.

He admitted, however, that he had not created enough opportunities for Haaland against Palace.

“I did not pass to Haaland many times, but next time I want to pass to him a lot,” said Cherki.

The result lifted Manchester City to six points from their opening two matches, while Crystal Palace remain without a point after suffering defeat in both of their games.

Cherki has also joined an exclusive group in Premier League history. He is the third player to score more than once in one of his team’s opening two matches of a season and provide more than one assist in the other.

The only previous players to achieve that feat were France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, who did so during the 2004-05 season, and Ivory Coast and Chelsea forward Didier Drogba, who matched the achievement in 2010-11.

Despite his impressive contribution, Cherki’s own assessment of the match focused on the team’s difficulties before half-time and his desire to remain on the pitch. His reaction to Maresca’s planned change reflected his determination to continue influencing the contest, eventually producing the two goals that helped secure City’s second victory of the campaign.

Manchester City’s four goals were shared equally between Haaland and Cherki, while Donnarumma’s own goal gave Crystal Palace their only score of the match. The victory maintains City’s perfect start, but Cherki’s individual numbers have made him one of the early standout performers of the new Premier League season.