Haaland scores header to give Manchester City 1-0 lead against Crystal Palace

Erling Haaland did what Erling Haaland does. Seventeen minutes into Manchester City’s trip to Selhurst Park on August 28, the Norwegian striker met Antoine Semenyo’s left-wing cross with a looping header that nestled into the net, giving City a 1-0 lead and setting the tone for what became a comprehensive 4-1 demolition of Crystal Palace.

The goal was Haaland’s first of the 2026-27 Premier League season. It was also, rather neatly, Manchester City’s 2,000th goal in Premier League history. Not a bad way to hit a milestone.

The goal and the buildup

The sequence was clean and efficient. Semenyo, who joined City ahead of this campaign, delivered a cross from the left flank. Haaland, positioned centrally, timed his run and connected with a header that Palace’s defense simply couldn’t deal with.

Haaland and Cherki run the show

Haaland wasn’t content with just the opener. He added a second goal later in the match, bringing his tally for the afternoon to two. Standing alongside him on the scoresheet was Rayan Cherki, who also bagged a brace to complete the 4-1 scoreline.

Maresca’s early impression

This was only the second match in charge for Enzo Maresca, who inherited the Manchester City job after Pep Guardiola’s departure. The Crystal Palace result marked City’s second consecutive win to open the season, and more importantly, it was Maresca’s first away victory as City manager.

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