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
