Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki has described the stunning opener he scored against Crystal Palace as a product of pure instinct, rather than deliberate planning.

City ran out 4-1 winners over Crystal Palace on Friday, extending their unbeaten run to maintain a perfect start to the Premier League season.

Cherki's two-goal show

The first of Cherki's two goals was a moment of individual brilliance — he burst through the heart of the Crystal Palace defence at speed before tucking a left-footed finish past goalkeeper Dean Henderson, leaving the stadium stunned.

Crystal Palace pulled one back shortly after, but Cherki immediately silenced any comeback hopes by striking again, wrapping up Manchester City's second consecutive league victory of the campaign.

"I need to show them"

Speaking on the Manchester City official website after the final whistle, Cherki was candid about his mindset going into the match — and when he sensed he might be substituted.

"It's my instinct, you know. I'm very happy for the win today. My performance was so and so, because in the first half we couldn't find the space. When I saw Enzo was going to change me, I didn't like that and I need to show them that I want to play and want to score and give assists for Erling."

The comment offered a revealing glimpse into Cherki's competitive edge: the threat of being taken off appeared to sharpen his focus rather than unsettle him, spurring on the decisive contributions that sealed the result.