Manchester, Aug 29 (V7N)- Erling Haaland and Ryan Cherki scored twice each as Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 4-1 to secure their second consecutive Premier League victory.

City took the lead in the 17th minute of Friday's match (August 28). Haaland rose to meet a superb cross and headed the ball into the net to put the hosts ahead.

Cherki doubled City's advantage early in the second half. The French midfielder controlled the ball amid several defenders inside the box before calmly finishing from close range.

Crystal Palace quickly pulled one goal back. Yehemia Pino's excellent free-kick struck the crossbar before rebounding off City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and finding the net.

However, Palace's comeback hopes lasted only two minutes. Cherki's effort from outside the box took a deflection and wrong-footed goalkeeper Dean Henderson, restoring City's two-goal advantage.

The goal completed the first Premier League brace of Cherki's career. After the match, he described his performance as “fair” and said uncertainty over his future and the possibility of a transfer had motivated him to perform better.

Haaland then put the result beyond doubt six minutes before full time, scoring his second of the night with a left-footed finish to complete City's 4-1 victory.

With two wins from two matches, Manchester City have six points and sit at the top of the Premier League table. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have lost both of their opening matches and remain without a point.

After the defeat, Palace midfielder Adam Wharton said the team need more time to adapt to the tactical approach of new coach Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

END/SMA/AJ