Golden Boot race: Haaland reacts after bagging a brace against Crystal Palace
By Joel Masibo, August 29, 2026Erling Haaland has already started the new season’s Golden Boot race debate as Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign after producing an impressive 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday night, August 28, 2026.
Haaland and Rayan Cherki were the stars of the show, with both players scoring twice to give new manager Enzo Maresca a second consecutive league victory.
City made their dominance count in the 17th minute when Haaland rose to meet a perfectly weighted cross from Antoine Semenyo, sending a looping header beyond Dean Henderson to put the visitors ahead.
The Blues continued to threaten before the interval, with Elliot Anderson forcing Henderson into a save and other opportunities falling to City players. Palace also had their moments, but Tyrick Mitchell missed a good opportunity when he headed wide from close range.
City eventually doubled their advantage nine minutes into the second half. Phil Foden drove forward before finding Cherki, who showed excellent composure to get past defenders and finish brilliantly.
Palace responded almost immediately. Yeremy Pino’s powerful free-kick struck the crossbar before going into the net via City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the goal officially recorded as an own goal.
Cherki, however, quickly restored City’s two-goal cushion. The Frenchman unleashed a superb dipping effort from outside the penalty area that left Henderson with little chance.
City remained in control as the match progressed, with Mateo Kovačić entering the game to make his 100th appearance for the club.
There were also opportunities for young players to make their mark. Ryan McAidoo, Kaden Braithwaite and new signing Ayyoub Bouaddi all came on late in the contest, with Bouaddi making his City debut less than two days after completing his move.
McAidoo nearly marked his introduction with a goal after bursting through the middle, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
Haaland then completed the scoring in the closing stages, arriving at the far post to finish past Henderson and secure his second goal of the evening.
The victory gives City six points from their opening two matches and provides Maresca with an ideal beginning to his tenure.
Haaland: City need time to adapt
Haaland acknowledged that the squad is still adjusting after a relatively short pre-season and the arrival of a new manager.
He also highlighted Cherki’s recent involvement at the World Cup and stressed the importance of building momentum gradually.
“I think in the start of the season, it was barely pre-season for everyone. Rayan just five weeks ago playing in the World Cup, so it’s a step up and take it game by game. We’ll be back, we just need a few games.”
The Norwegian striker added that City’s familiarity with one another should help them adapt to Maresca’s methods.
“We played well and I mean it’s a new manager and all that but most of us have been playing together. We know what to do and need to trust the system and trust Enzo in what he wants us to do.”
Cherki delighted with City victory
Cherki was instrumental in the win, scoring twice after being introduced from the bench in City’s opening league fixture against Bournemouth and assisting both goals in that comeback.
The French playmaker said the club’s transition into a new era was now underway following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
“I’m very happy for the win today. With Pep we had a big story and now we’re starting a new story. We need to prove it every week. We’re here for that.”
His display at Selhurst Park underlined his attacking quality and provided an early indication of what City supporters could expect from him during the campaign.
Perfect start for Maresca’s City
City’s opening two matches have produced maximum points, with victories over Bournemouth and Crystal Palace putting them at the top of the early Premier League standings.
The result also demonstrated City’s attacking strength, with Haaland and Cherki both finding the net twice while the team created several additional opportunities.
Their next challenge comes on Saturday, September 5, when newly promoted Coventry City visit the Etihad Stadium for a 3pm kick-off.
Coventry are managed by former City midfielder Frank Lampard, who made 38 appearances for the club during the 2013/14 season and scored eight goals.
For City, the focus will now turn to maintaining the momentum generated by their impressive opening fortnight.