Cherki Stars as Manchester City Crush Crystal Palace 4-1

Rayan Cherki delivered a dazzling response to being left out of Manchester City’s starting line-up last weekend, scoring twice to inspire a commanding 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday.

City manager Enzo Maresca had admitted that Cherki was frustrated after being named among the substitutes for the club’s 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in their Premier League opener.

The France international responded in emphatic fashion, first providing two assists after coming off the bench against Bournemouth before producing a brilliant starting performance against Palace.

The 23-year-old showcased his creativity, skill and attacking threat throughout the encounter, providing a timely reminder of his quality to Maresca.

Cherki’s talent has never been in doubt, although his flamboyant style has occasionally raised concerns over his ability to consistently operate within a team-first system.

Against Palace, however, he was at the centre of City’s dominant display.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 17th minute, rising above the Palace defence to power Antoine Semenyo’s cross beyond goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

City missed several opportunities to extend their lead before Cherki finally doubled the advantage nine minutes after half-time.

After Phil Foden drove forward and created the opening, Cherki weaved his way past three Palace defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the far corner.

Palace quickly pulled one back in fortuitous circumstances when Yeremy Pino’s free-kick struck the post before rebounding into the net off City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished.

Cherki restored City’s two-goal advantage in the 59th minute with a powerful effort from the edge of the box that flew beyond Henderson.

Haaland then completed the rout in the 84th minute, firing past the Palace goalkeeper from a tight angle after Foden’s pass opened up the home defence.

The victory represents a convincing response from City after they were forced to come from behind to beat Bournemouth in their opening league fixture.

There was also a glimpse of City’s future when teenage Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi made his debut after completing an £86 million ($116 million) move from Lille earlier in the week.

For Palace, the defeat marked their second consecutive loss under new manager Pierre Sage, who replaced Oliver Glasner during the close season.

With Cherki finding his rhythm and Haaland back among the goals, City showed they may have little need for the late drama that characterised their opening Premier League fixture.