Manchester City defeats Crystal Palace 4-1 with Haaland continuing his relentless scoring run

Manchester City put Crystal Palace to the sword at Selhurst Park, running out convincing winners in Matchweek 2 of the 2026/27 Premier League season. Erling Haaland got on the scoresheet against a Palace side that simply cannot figure out how to stop him.

The result was never really in doubt after Haaland nodded City ahead in the 17th minute, and the final scoreline was 3-1. For Crystal Palace and manager Pierre Sage, it was a second consecutive defeat to open the campaign following a loss to Everton in their opener.

Haaland’s Palace obsession continues

Haaland’s header, assisted by Antoine Semenyo, was his ninth goal in just seven Premier League appearances against Palace. He has scored in every single Premier League match he has played against Crystal Palace.

Palace had already been warned. City traveled to Selhurst Park and won 3-0 in December 2025, with Haaland instrumental in that demolition too.

The Maresca era gets off to a smooth start

This match carried significance beyond the three points. It was Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League game as Manchester City manager, following Pep Guardiola’s departure.

Rayan Cherki was particularly impressive, contributing a goal and showing exactly why City invested in the former Lyon talent. An own goal further padded the scoreline.

Palace did manage to pull one back, briefly offering hope to a home crowd that deserved something for their vocal support. But one goal was all Sage’s side could muster.

Palace’s tough start to the season

For Crystal Palace, this was a deflating follow-up to their opening day defeat to Everton. Two losses from two games, with four goals conceded, is the kind of start that turns optimistic preseason narratives into concerned ones.

The Haaland problem, specifically, is one that most Premier League teams face. Nine goals in seven meetings is a rate of scoring that most strikers would be delighted with across an entire season, let alone against a single opponent.

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