Crystal Palace 1-4 Man City: Rayan Cherki impresses in big away win
Manchester City secured a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace, driven by an impressive performance from Rayan Cherki. The win marks a significant early success for the team under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Why it matters
The match highlights the transition period for Manchester City following the departure of Pep Guardiola and the emergence of new key players.
Figure caption, Haaland and Cherki fire impressive Man City to victory at Palace
Chief football writer at Selhurst Park Published 28 August 2026 Rayan Cherki refuses to hide his emotions, an open book for all to see and hear in times of joy and disappointment.
Moments after Manchester City had put down their first heavyweight marker of the post-Pep Guardiola era by brushing aside Crystal Palace , he was asked live on TV how much he enjoyed the game. Rather than providing the usual textbook answer, he instead gave a colourfully uncomplimentary – and unprintable - description of his own first-half performance.
Erling Haaland, standing alongside Cherki as he waited to hand over the player-of-the-match award, could only laugh at the France attacker's sweary honesty.
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