Cherki shines with two goals as Man City see off Crystal Palace

Manchester City secured a win away at Crystal Palace, in a match defined by a brilliant individual performance from Rayan Cherki. The Frenchman scored twice, showing exceptional touches and dribbling skill that earned him the highest rating among the featured players.

Erling Haaland got on the scoresheet with a trademark header and a powerful finish, extending his record of scoring in all six of his Premier League appearances at Selhurst Park. Antoine Semenyo also impressed, providing the assist for Haaland's opening goal and remaining a constant attacking threat throughout.

For Crystal Palace, midfielder Adam Wharton stood out as the home side's best performer, praised for his composure, vision and passing range. However, like the rest of his teammates, he was eventually overrun as City took control of the game.

Goalkeeping duel

Both goalkeepers had notable moments. Palace's Dean Henderson made several key saves, denying Anderson, Semenyo and Cherki at various points. City's Gianluigi Donnarumma also made an important early save from Eddie Nketiah, though he was beaten by an own goal that resulted from a Yeremy Pino free-kick.

Nketiah was lively early in the game, forcing Donnarumma into action, but he wasted a good chance to level the score in the second half. Tyrick Mitchell and Jorgen Strand Larsen also missed first-half opportunities to find the net.

Both sides made several substitutions during the match, with Palace bringing on Evann Guessand, Gozo, McNeil and others, while City introduced Kovacic, McAtee-style options and further reinforcements from the bench.