Manchester City soared to the top of the Premier League with a devastating 4-1 win over Crystal Palace in Pierre Sage’s first game as manager at Selhurst Park.
Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both netted braces in a masterclass in finishing from Enzo Maresca’s side.
The Eagles came out of the blocks flying, with both Eddie Nketiah and Daichi Kamada testing the Manchester City backline in the opening two minutes.
Despite the quick start from Sage’s side, City came close to an early opener themselves; Elliot Anderson’s curling shot from the edge of the area was pushed away by Dean Henderson.
Only for a scramble to tap the ball home emerged, with Palace getting the ball away just before a lurking Haaland could tap into an empty net.
It wouldn’t be long before the Norwegian got his name on the scoresheet though, with Antoine’s Semenyo’s cross from the left found Haaland, who looped a header over Henderson to bag his first goal of the Premier League season in the 17th minute.
Maresca’s side should’ve doubled their advantage moments later, though Phil Foden blasted his effort from a few yards out over the crossbar, despite having acres of free space around him.
Even though they were under heavy pressure, the Eagles wasted another glorious opportunity, with Adam Wharton delivering a brilliant ball from the right-hand side, which Tyrick Mitchell had a free header at but directed wide of the left corner.
Despite the good possession, City walked into the break with the lead courtesy of Haaland’s header.
Crystal Palace came within touching distance of wiping the visitors' lead just three minutes into the second half, as Mitchell’s ball across is fired wide by Nketiah from a few yards out.
Manchester City doubled their lead in the 54th minute with a brilliant individual goal, as Cherki played it to Foden, who received the ball back before carrying it into the box and poking the ball past Henderson.
It seemed to be a long way back for the Eagles, although they were given a glimmer of hope two minutes later as Yeremy Pino crashed an incredible free-kick from distance off the inside of the right post, and into the net via the back of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Hopes of a fight back were dashed quickly though, as Cherki claimed his brace just five minutes after his first, this time curling a shot from the edge of the box, and with the help of a deflection off Chris Richards, it beat Henderson and sent the City fans into raptures once more.
Cherki’s second goal seemed to deflate Palace, and the visitors wrapped up the win with a fourth goal five minutes from time, Phil Foden’s driving run finding Haaland, who recorded his brace with a powerful effort into the roof of the net.
There were positives to take for Pierre Sage, but ultimately, Manchester City were just a different level above the Eagles, and cruised to victory.
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