Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola claims Riyad Mahrez is ‘back’, following the Algerian international's stellar performance against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup last week.
In a game where both sides fielded strong second squads, it was Manchester City who edged past the West London club with a man of the match performance from back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, and goals from Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez.
The third round tie at the Etihad Stadium began in tense fashion, and very with few chances for either side, as both sets of players took a tentative approach to the opening 45 minutes.
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Pep Guardiola replaced midfield pair Ilkay Gundogan and Rodri early in the second half, and brought on Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips, with the momentum shifting in the home side's favour not too long after.
It was Riyad Mahrez however who broke the deadlock with 53 minutes on the clock, as the Algerian fired home from a direct free-kick.
Mahrez was involved again just minutes later, as Manchester City doubled their lead thanks to Julian Alvarez, who was on hand to tap in a parried shot.
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Stefan Ortega was given the Man of the match award for his crucial saves, but Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Riyad Mahrez, after a slow start to the season for the forward in comparison to his usual high standards.
Speaking to the media after Wednesday night's game, Pep Guardiola said, “He’s back.
"Not just for the goal and the second action. Many details prove to me he’s back."
He continued, “He arrived late, wasn’t good in the beginning and now he’s back.
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“Riyad will be so important in the second half of the season.”
Mahrez’s free kick was just his fourth goal in all competitions so far this season, and Pep Guardiola has not been questioning his ability, especially after his missed penalty against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
“His quality is undeniable, his personality under pressure,” the Manchester City head coach continued.
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“People say he missed a penalty but he got the ball and hit the penalty and that means a lot to me.
“He played against Sevilla played really good and today played really good again.”
As Algeria did not qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, Riyad Mahrez will be looking forward to a period of rest.
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As the Premier League resumes only eight days after the World Cup final, the Algeria international will be hoping that a period away from matches will keep him sharp for when the Premier League resumes.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Riyad Mahrez, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Pep Guardiola, Carabao Cup, Chelsea