Erling Haaland Scores Brace as Manchester City Cruise Past Crystal Palace

Erling Haaland is up and running for the season. The Norwegian striker scored a brace on Friday, August 28, 2026, powering Manchester City to a commanding 4-1 away win against Crystal Palace. His goals, part of a dominant second-half display, helped new manager Enzo Maresca secure a second consecutive Premier League victory.

How did Haaland and City perform at Selhurst Park?

City overcame a shaky start at Selhurst Park. Palace had equalized through a Yéremy Pino free kick that deflected in off goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. But Haaland's clinical finishing and the creative brilliance of Rayan Cherki turned the game. Haaland's two goals were emphatic, signaling his return to peak form after the team's Community Shield setback. Manager Enzo Maresca noted his side struggled with pressing early but were in control thereafter.

Why was Rayan Cherki the talk of the match?

The French winger was the star, scoring two superb goals. His first saw him weave through multiple Palace tackles before a nonchalant finish. His second was a driven long-range effort that took a deflection. Despite the match-winning contribution, Cherki gave a memorable post-match interview. He told Sky Sports his first-half performance was "so shit," forcing the broadcaster to apologize. Teammate Erling Haaland was seen smirking alongside him. Cherki explained his outburst was motivation, saying, "I need to show them I want to play, I want to score."

What did Enzo Maresca say about his team?

The Italian manager praised his team's complete performance, singling out Cherki's work off the ball. "His performance for me was very good, not because of the two goals, but the way he worked off the ball," Maresca said. He highlighted Cherki's pressing and love for the game. The manager also pointed to the result as evidence his post-Pep Guardiola team has moved on from their early season wobble.

What is Haaland's place in the Golden Boot race?

With his double at Palace, Erling Haaland has immediately inserted himself into the 2026-27 Premier League Golden Boot conversation. While specific ranking data from the sources is limited, starting the campaign with two goals from two games is a powerful statement of intent. It places him among the early leaders as he aims to reclaim the award.

• Erling Haaland scored twice in Manchester City's 4-1 win at Crystal Palace on August 28, 2026.
• Teammate Rayan Cherki also netted a brace but called his own first-half display "shit" in a post-match interview.
• Manager Enzo Maresca praised his team's control and Cherki's all-around game after the victory.
• The result gives City two wins from two to start the Premier League season under their new boss.