Pep Guardiola hails Manchester City performance and highlights Riyad Mahrez impact

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for forward Riyad Mahrez, who scored against Chelsea for the third time this season during Sunday’s comprehensive victory at the Etihad Stadium.

The Algerian scored twice during the Blues’ 4-0 demolition of Chelsea in the FA Cup third round, as Pep Guardiola’s side set up a home fourth round tie against either Oxford United or Arsenal.

Mahrez opened the scoring with a sublime free-kick in the 23rd minute and concluded the victory with an emphatic strike from the penalty spot in the 85th.

The 31 year-old scored the match-winning goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Thursday and has netted on two separate occasions at the Etihad Stadium against the West London club this season.

Mahrez has now been on the scoresheet in Carabao Cup and FA Cup wins against Graham Potter’s troubled team, as City extended their winning run against Chelsea to five straight matches in all competitions.

After the match, manager Pep Guardiola was quick to praise the 31 year-olds performance against Chelsea.

“The quality of Riyad Mahrez is everything,” said Guardiola.

“[He] Loves to play football. Fantastic free-kick. He played an outstanding game. Good game.”

The Catalan also highlighted the performance of his team overall, after a series of recent underwhelming performances, notably a 1-1 draw against Everton on New Year’s Eve.

“Really good from first minute to the end. We make an incredibly intense game against a top side. Next round. Next competition. [We are] happy to still be there.”

Manchester City’s attention now switches to the Carabao Cup, with the Premier League champions facing Southampton in the quarter-finals on Wednesday at St Mary’s.