Enzo Maresca insisted Manchester Citys opening difficulties at Selhurst Park only made the 4-1 win more pleasing, as the City manager lavished praise on Rayan Cherki. Two goals from Cherki and a brace from Erling Haaland sealed a comfortable win on a night that started awkwardly before City found their rhythm.Probably the first five or 10 minutes we saw how difficult it was, he said. Its a difficult pitch and tough opponents. After 10 minutes we controlled the game on the ball and off the ball and deserved to win.The intensity on the team has been good. We scored four, probably couldve scored more, only conceded one. Off the ball we were quite good, struggled for the first 10 minutes. On the ball, tried to put players into a position to attack.Table of ContentsCherki singled out for defensive displayFoden adaptation continuesCherki singled out for defensive displayWhile the Frenchmans two goals and two assists drew the headlines, Maresca was particularly vocal about the work Cherki produced when City did not have the ball, specifically his role in nullifying Adam Wharton.His performance off the ball was unbelievable, Maresca said. Everyone knows his quality but when he works hard off the ball, he was in charge of Wharton, he controlled him. He was very good.Hes helping us and is going to help in the future. We know hes a quality player. I think he was very, very good off the ball and was working very hard.Foden adaptation continuesFoden again drew mixed reviews from those watching, missing several clear chances in the first half before contributing two assists. Maresca struck a patient tone when discussing a player he clearly sees as central to his plans, while acknowledging that the winger role is not where Foden is most comfortable.In the last 10-15 minutes you can see he was even more happy to play inside behind Erling. Thats his position. Hes trying to adapt and trying to help when playing winger. His working is good, hes doing very good, he addedHes adapting, we know hes not a winger, were trying to find a solution. When he was inside, you could see he was enjoying it more. The attitude is very good and its what we need. Topics Manchester City F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Crystal Palace 1-4 Manchester City: Report, result and goals as Haaland & Cherki steal the show at Selhurst Park Mitch Fretton 28th August, 2026 WATCH: Haaland opens Premier League account to give Manchester City lead at Crystal Palace Mitch Fretton 28th August, 2026 LIVE Crystal Palace v Man City: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 26th August, 2026 Crystal Palace vs Manchester City: Line-ups confirmed for Friday night clash in South London Mitch Fretton 28th August, 2026 Everton not in a hurry to sell our best players, says Moyes amid Ndiaye Man City speculation Nicholas McGee 28th August, 2026 Alonso made decision to leave Fernandez out of Chelsea win Tom Rostance 27th August, 2026
