Cherki's brilliance delivers Maresca perfect start at City

Cherki twice found the back of the net at Selhurst Park, with Erling Haaland also bagging a brace to seal City's second consecutive win under their new manager.

Haaland opened the scoring early, heading in from a left-wing cross after rising above Chris Richards. City dominated possession but squandered several chances, with Phil Foden fluffing two gilt-edged opportunities before half-time.

The second half became a masterclass in attacking football. Cherki collected Foden's pass inside the box in the 54th minute and threaded an exquisite finish past Dean Henderson. Minutes later, Palace's own carelessness was compounded when Yeremy Pino's free-kick curled over the wall, struck the bar and deflected off Gianluigi Donnarumma into the net.

Cherki struck again moments after, releasing a long-range effort that deflected past Richards to silence any Palace momentum. Haaland wrapped things up in the 84th minute with a rasping finish from close range, according to Sky Sports.

New Palace boss Pierre Sage had enjoyed an encouraging start, but his side lacked the defensive solidity to contain City's attacking prowess. Tyrick Mitchell came closest to a consolation when his close-range header went wide.

Maresca's City displayed the kind of dominant, free-flowing football that marked his predecessor's tenure, signalling a smooth transition at the Etihad.