Cherki's double helps City to convincing win at Crystal Palace
Rayan Cherki scored twice in the second half as Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 4-1. The French attacker had earlier criticised his own first-half display but produced a masterclass after the break. His performance came under new manager Enzo Maresca, with City showing their strength in the post-Guardiola era.
Cherki's £30m move from Lyon last summer saw him feature in 33 Premier League matches, though 14 of those came as a substitute. He began this campaign on the bench, assisting both late goals in City's opening win over Bournemouth before earning his first start here. His international struggles at the World Cup, where he started only the third-place play-off and was withdrawn at half-time, have added urgency to his club form.
Maresca highlighted Cherki's defensive contribution, noting he controlled Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, a player City have scouted as a potential transfer target. The victory marked City's first significant statement since Guardiola's departure, with Cherki's second-half display suggesting the club's attacking depth remains formidable.
This performance could signal a smooth transition for Manchester City following Guardiola's exit, potentially easing concerns among supporters and investors about the club's trajectory. Cherki's emergence as a consistent match-winner may also strengthen France's attacking options ahead of future tournaments. For rivals, it suggests City's squad depth remains a formidable obstacle in title races, while Palace's heavy home defeat highlights the gap between mid-table sides and genuine contenders.