Rayan Cherki’s two-goal performance in Manchester City’s 4-1 win at Crystal Palace underlined his importance to the team, with The Athletic describing the France international as likely to become the centrepiece of Enzo Maresca’s side.
City made a striking 4-1 away victory in the second round of the Premier League, despite Crystal Palace making the stronger start at Selhurst Park. The hosts registered three shots in the opening five minutes, while Maresca’s selection included Marc Guehi at centre-back, Josko Gvardiol at left-back and Nico O’Reilly alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 16th minute, heading in a cross from Semenyo. The ball looped over Dean Henderson and dropped into the net.
City managed six shots on target before half-time, their highest total in a single Premier League half since May 2024.
Cherki doubled the visitors’ advantage nine minutes after the interval with a fine individual run and finish. Palace responded almost immediately when Eberechi Eze’s free-kick struck the crossbar before deflecting into the net off Gianluigi Donnarumma.
However, Cherki restored City’s two-goal lead during a frantic five-minute spell. His second goal involved a deflection, but followed another determined surge into the Palace penalty area and a shot that found the net.
The 21-year-old had already impressed in City’s previous league match, supplying two assists in a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth. His ability to create decisive moments has led to suggestions that he could become one of the defining players of the new Manchester City.
Cherki celebrated both goals by glancing towards the Palace support and was given a lively reception when he was substituted. His performances have added to the sense that the forward possesses the talent to become one of the Premier League’s biggest stars.
His first goal was reminiscent of his effort against Arsenal at the end of last season. The movement appeared to slow the game down, allowing him to glide beyond opponents while remaining in complete control. His second strike, even with the deflection, was another piece of individual quality that prompted supporters to ask: “Did you see what Cherki just did?”
Haaland also continued his impressive record against Palace. He has now scored 10 goals in six appearances against them.
After failing to score in the opening match of the season, the Norway striker rediscovered his finishing touch in south London. His first goal was an expertly judged header, with the ball rising before dipping beneath the crossbar beyond Henderson’s reach.
Haaland also pressed Palace’s defenders from the opening minute and regularly dropped back to help deal with set pieces. His fourth goal was a clean finish which ended any remaining doubt over the result.
City’s defensive structure again placed significant demands on Guehi. Before the match, Maresca told Sky Sports that he had considered using the defender in midfield against Bournemouth because of the need for greater physical presence in the centre.
“After the Arsenal game (Community Shield), we struggled a bit in the middle,” Maresca said. “You need tough midfielders, and Guehi can do that.”
Guehi impressed when winning back possession against Bournemouth, but he returned to the back line at Selhurst Park. Gvardiol’s role requires him to move forward for attacks and pressing, leaving Guehi responsible for covering the space behind him.
Palace repeatedly looked to exploit that area, yet Guehi remained alert and produced another strong display. His emergence, along with Cherki’s, gives City two important assets at a time when the club’s recent transfer business has faced scrutiny and several players signed during the past two years have been sold.
City’s bench, however, remains a concern. The club do not have a major injury crisis apart from Jeremy Doku, but fringe players have been moved on without being replaced.
Gvardiol was replaced by a slightly limping Mateo Kovacic around the 70-minute mark. Kovacic had started all four pre-season games, including the Community Shield, but was left out of the starting side against Bournemouth, suggesting he is not currently first choice in midfield.
With 10 minutes remaining, Maresca introduced two 18-year-olds: debutant Ayyoub Bouaddi and winger Rayan McAdoo. Bouaddi joined from Lille for £86m ($116m), while McAdoo is considered a promising player who could feature in domestic cup competitions this season. Their involvement also highlighted the lack of experienced alternatives.
Jack Grealish was absent from the squad as he prepares to leave the club, meaning City still need at least three more signings this season to provide sufficient depth. Alan is expected to arrive from Palmeiras, while City are also working to complete deals for Enzo Fernandez and Iliman Ndiaye.
The performance of the substitutes suggested that Maresca may require even more additions, although the starting XI showed that the team is currently operating effectively.
Maresca was pleased with Cherki’s contribution and the overall display. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, he said:
“He is helping us. He will continue to help us in the future. We know he is a high-level player; he provided two assists against Bournemouth last game and scored two goals today. But I also think Cherki is excellent without the ball. He did a great job limiting Wharton and worked very hard.
“This was a difficult pitch to play on. We knew that before the game. You could see it from the first few minutes. But then we took control of the game. The team’s intensity and desire were very good.”
