Manchester City claimed a Premier League victory at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace, continuing their promising start under manager Enzo Maresca. Rayan Cherki was the standout performer, delivering moments of brilliance that proved decisive.

Cherki the difference-maker

Cherki earned the highest rating of the evening — an 8 — for a display that combined glorious dribbling, silky touches, and two goals that carried the hallmark of genuine quality. His first arrived with a touch of arrogance and artistry that had supporters gasping.

Erling Haaland, meanwhile, extended his extraordinary record at Selhurst Park by scoring in all six of his Premier League appearances at the ground. He opened his account with a trademark header before adding a powerhouse finish, claiming a 7 rating alongside Nico O'Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Antoine Semenyo, and Ruben Dias.

Wharton shines for Palace

For Crystal Palace, Adam Wharton stood out as the brightest light in a difficult evening. His composure in midfield, exceptional vision, and wide passing range drew a 7 rating — matching goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who made fine saves from Anderson, Semenyo, and Cherki to keep the scoreline respectable.

Yeremy Pino gave Palace a moment to celebrate with a splendid free-kick that ended up as a Gianluigi Donnarumma own goal, earning him a 6. However, Palace's attacking players largely struggled — Eddie Nketiah wasted a crucial second-half opportunity, and Jorgen Strand Larsen lost the physical battle against Dias.

City's depth on show

Phil Foden missed a first-half chance he would have expected to convert, though he contributed to Cherki's opening goal and rated a 6 alongside several teammates. Donnarumma, largely untroubled for much of the match, made one vital early stop to deny Nketiah when Palace briefly threatened.

Josko Gvardiol and Abdukodir Khusanov each earned 6s for dependable displays in defence, with Khusanov's blistering pace catching the eye at right-back. Marc Guehi received a warm welcome on his return to Selhurst Park, operating in central defence rather than his former midfield role.

City's strength in depth was further demonstrated by their substitutes bench, which included Mateo Kovacic, who came on in the 75th minute to see out the result. Crystal Palace introduced Evann Guessand, Gozo, and Willy McNeil from the bench in an attempt to find a way back into the game, but City's rearguard held firm.