Revealed: Who will take Manchester City’s penalties against Arsenal after Riyad Mahrez decision

Riyad Mahrez has revealed who will be Manchester City’s designated penalty taker against Arsenal on Wednesday night, should they be required.

The 32 year-old took on the responsibility from 12 yards against Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday evening, making no mistake and scoring his first of three goals against the Championship high-flyers.

However, many were left wondering whether there had been a change in hierarchy when it comes to penalties, with the change coming just days after Erling Haaland had failed to convert against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

The Norwegian made up for his early failure, scoring a decisive strike in the second-half against the Bundesliga giants, but nevertheless Riyad Mahrez was forced to clarify the penalty-taking situation after the weekend’s contest.

Speaking after the 3-0 win over Sheffield United on Saturday evening, the Algerian international revealed that both he and Erling Haaland would often be taking it in turns to take Manchester City’s penalties.

“Me and Erling we (take it) in turns; sometimes it’s him, sometimes me,” explained Mahrez. “Today I felt it and took it, next time it’ll be him, there’s nothing (else). We’re really comfortable with this situation and it’s fine.”

Interestingly, the mention of ‘next time’ suggests that should Manchester City be awarded a penalty in their mammoth Premier League showdown against Arsenal in midweek, then Erling Haaland would be the man to step up and assume responsibilities.

Wednesday night’s contest represents a huge moment in the ongoing Premier League title race, with the reigning Champions knowing that victory would move them to within two points of their challengers with two games in hand on Mikel Arteta’s side.

However, defeat would mean Arsenal extend their lead to eight points heading into the final few games of the season, and put the Gunners into a commanding position despite City’s games in hand.

Manchester City also have a Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid to look forward to next month, while an FA Cup final against Manchester United on June 3 has also been booked into the calendar following the semi-final outcomes at the weekend.