Riyad Mahrez reveals unselfish discussion with Julian Alvarez during Chelsea demolition

Manchester City’s in-form forward Riyad Mahrez has revealed an in-game discussion with Julian Alvarez that proves his unselfish nature with his teammates.

Pep Guardiola and his players reached the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup, knocking out Graham Potter’s Chelsea in the third round of a cup competition for the second time this season following the Carabao Cup meeting back in October.

A destructive first-half from City saw them put three goals past a helpless Kepa Arrizabalaga in between the sticks for the London outfit, as they set up a fourth round tie in the FA Cup against either Oxford United or Arsenal – who clash on Monday night.

City opened the scoring through a sublime Riyad Mahrez free-kick, before Julian Alvarez marked his first start for the club since his FIFA World Cup success in Qatar with a goal from the penalty spot.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Riyad Mahrez admitted that he was set to take Manchester City’s first penalty in the game. But after a request from attacking partner Julian Alvarez, the Algerian international relinquished those responsibilities.

“I was going to take the first one (penalty), but Julian (Alvarez) asked me, so of course I said yes,” said Mahrez.

“He’s a striker, he needs goals, it’s good for him. The second one I wanted to take. Everyone was involved today so it’s good.”

Julian Alvarez has now scored in every competition he has played in for Manchester City, having put the ball in the back of the net in all of the Premier League, Champions League, League Cup, FA Cup, and Community Shield.

While Erling Haaland is unsurprisingly taking all the plaudits for his astronomical goal tally since joining City from Borussia Dortmund, Alvarez is quietly going about his business when called upon by Pep Guardiola.

In his last 10 starts for Manchester City, Julian Alvarez has now been directly involved in 11 goals, scoring nine and providing two assists.