Crystal Palace began the match with intent, matching City’s tempo in the opening exchanges. However, the visitors broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Antoine Semenyo delivered a precise cross into the penalty area. Haaland rose highest to power a header past Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, opening his goalscoring account for the new campaign.

City pressed to double their advantage shortly afterwards, though Phil Foden sent an effort wide of the target in the 21st minute. Palace had an opportunity to equalise early in the second half, but Eddie Nketiah failed to convert his chance. City capitalized on that miss in the 54th minute when Cherki sliced through the hosts’ defensive line to finish calmly.

Palace briefly clawed their way back into the contest two minutes later through an unusual goal. Yéremy Pino struck a powerful free-kick that rattled the crossbar before bouncing off City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and the post before trickling into the net.

Any hopes of a sustained comeback were quickly dashed. In the 59th minute, Cherki registered his second of the evening when his strike deflected off defender Chris Richards and looped past Henderson into the net.

Haaland capped off the comprehensive performance in the 85th minute, collecting a pass from Foden before driving a powerful left-footed shot into the corner. The victory ensures Maresca’s side claim a maximum of six points from their opening two fixtures.

Manchester City will now enjoy nearly a week of recovery before returning to domestic action against newly promoted Coventry City. Following that encounter, Maresca’s squad will travel to Old Trafford for the highly anticipated first Manchester derby of the season against Manchester United.