Erling Haaland scored two goals for Manchester City in a 4-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday, August 28. The defeat leaves Crystal Palace rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table with zero points from their opening two matches, having conceded six goals and scored just one for a minus five goal difference. Sportskeeda reported that Haaland posted a tribute to Norway on Instagram following the death of King Harald V earlier that day.
How did Manchester City win the match?
Manchester City took control early. Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a header in the 17th minute, assisted by Antoine Semenyo. The visitors added to their lead before halftime. Rayan Cherki scored twice for City, demonstrating their attacking depth. Haaland sealed the three points with his second goal in the 84th minute, completing his brace. The 4-1 scoreline reflected City's dominance and extended Palace's difficult start to the season.
What was the context of Haaland's Instagram message?
After the final whistle, Erling Haaland shared a message on social media. "Norway in my heart tonight 🙏," he wrote on Instagram. The post was widely interpreted as a tribute to his home nation following the death of King Harald V of Norway. The monarch passed away at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at approximately 6:35 AM on the morning of the match. Haaland's performance and subsequent message connected a personal sporting achievement with a national moment of significance.
Where does this leave Crystal Palace?
The result is a sobering one for Crystal Palace. They sit 20th in the Premier League with a record of zero wins, zero draws, and two losses. Their recent form reads as two consecutive defeats. They are already six points behind the early leaders, Manchester City, who top the table with a perfect six points. Manager Enzo Maresca, who took over from Pep Guardiola in the summer, saw his City side execute their game plan effectively at Selhurst Park. Palace's next challenge is an away trip to face Fulham, who are 12th, on September 5. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings page.
What are the immediate challenges for Palace?
Injuries are compounding the team's early struggles. Defender Chadi Riad and forward Ismaïla Sarr are currently sidelined, limiting options for the coaching staff. The squad must regroup quickly ahead of the Fulham fixture. The defensive record, with six goals conceded in two games, will be a primary concern. The club will hope for a positive response on the road to climb from the foot of the table. Supporters can check the latest availability on our injuries hub.
Looking ahead, the schedule does not get easier. After Fulham, Manchester City face Coventry City at the Etihad on September 5 before a Manchester derby at Old Trafford on September 13. City are also preparing for a tough UEFA Champions League group with Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli, and Barcelona. For Crystal Palace, the focus is solely on arresting their slide and finding a first positive result of the campaign at Craven Cottage.
