It might seem crazy to say but yesterday already seemed like a must win for Manchester City as they try and chase down Premier League leaders Liverpool.

City did manage to turn it around last season and win the title. If you think Pep Guardiola’s men can do it again and secure their third championship in a row and you like a punt, then you should lookout for the great offers on Sign Up Bonuses.

If Man City are to keep their crown then they’ll need to continue to pick up important wins.

Against Marco Silva’s Everton last night, Riyad Mahrez stepped up and took the game by the scruff of the neck. Ending the game with a goal and the man of the match award. That City win closed the gap at the top back to five points.

It shouldn’t really surprise us as the Algerian is starting to make the most of his opportunities at Man City this term. In his debut year the wideman had to fight with Leroy Sane for the starting jersey and it meant he struggled to get a consistent run in the team. The former Leicester City man also seemed to struggle to get to grips with Pep’s demanding tactics.

But with Sane out injured at the start of this campaign, Mahrez has started to look the part in this City team.

In his seven league appearances, Riyad has produced two goals and three assists. He has also scored and created an assist in his Champions League start against Shakhtar Donetsk (BBC Match Report).

Importantly Mahrez has started and shone in his last two league outings. You can see that he’s starting to understand when not on the ball that he’ll need to stick to the right touchline, Guardiola constantly wants his wingers to provide width.

Riyad is also working more on his defensive game, winning the ball back numerous times at Goodison.

The attacker is still very direct and has the pace to cause any defence issues. He’s also great at set-pieces as he proved with his goal against The Toffees.

At times in recent weeks Riyad Mahrez has looked unplayable. Along with Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, he gives City yet another top class creator playing in and around the main striker.

The Algerian African Cup of Nations winner now looks like he believes he deserves to be at City now.

“He doesn’t feel too much pressure, a lot of confidence in himself, in terms of making bad actions, he wants the ball, he wants to try again. That’s the best detail for the players in the big clubs, he is quality, perhaps he just needs to be more relaxed when he doesn’t play,”

Via Manchester Evening News

I think that’s the Manchester City manager way of telling Mahrez that he doesn’t need to worry about the rotation that happens at The Etihad.

The player though has responded with two wonderful performances and those fine games could make it harder for his manager when it comes to resting him!

Posted on September 29th, 2019 by scott
Filed under: Article