Cherki’s double sparks City’s 4-1 win as Maresca hails new era

Manchester City secured a comfortable 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday, with teenage playmaker Rayan Cherki delivering a breakout performance that included two second‑half goals. The win marked City’s second consecutive league triumph and reinforced manager Enzo Maresca’s belief that the squad is entering a new, more dynamic phase.

Cherki, who admitted his first‑half display was “s***”, turned the tide after the break, finding the net twice and linking up effectively with Erling Haaland, who also added a brace. The French winger said he was eager to prove his worth, noting, “I need to show I want to play, I want to score, I want to give assists for Erling.”

Maresca praised Cherki’s all‑round contribution, emphasizing that the youngster’s impact went beyond the goals. “His performance was very good, not because of the two goals but the way he worked off the ball. He pressed, he was in charge when Palace had the ball, and his game was complete on and off the ball,” the manager said.

The manager added that Cherki’s work ethic and love for the game make him easy to work with and a vital part of City’s future. “We know how good he is, the quality he has. In this moment he is helping the team with goals and assists, and there’s no doubt he will continue to do so,” Maresca affirmed.

City’s dominance was evident throughout the match, with Haaland’s clinical finishing complementing Cherki’s creativity. The English side controlled possession, pressed high, and transitioned quickly, leaving Palace struggling to find rhythm. Maresca highlighted the team’s intensity, saying, “If we match the desire of our opponents, with the quality we have, we can achieve something important.”

Palace manager Pierre Sage expressed frustration at the heavy defeat and confirmed that striker Jean‑Philippe Mateta suffered a muscle injury that could sideline him for four weeks, further compounding Palace’s challenges.

Beyond the match, Maresca hinted at ongoing transfer activity, confirming that the club remains keen on securing Enzo Fernández before the window closes and that talks with Jack Grealish are progressing, with a decision expected within the next 48‑72 hours.