Mahrez a must for City to tame Arsenal
Erling Haaland is the key man for Manchester City tomorrow in the potential title decider, but while the Norwegian goal-machine will have the lion’s share of attention on him, Riyad Mahrez is also a potent threat, if he gets to play again.
A hat-trick in the FA Cup semi-final win over Sheffield United on Saturday again highlighted the ability of the former African Footballer of the Year, who his manager says is always grumpy with him because he feels he does not get to play enough.
“He’s always grumpy with me when he doesn’t play, but I know perfectly his quality and on the biggest stages and in the important moments, he’s there,” said manager Pep Guardiola, hinting Mahrez will be back for the top-of-the-table clash.
He will be tempted to field the French-born Algerian international against Arsenal where his pace on the flanks will look to pin back the Gunners’ wingbacks.
Mahrez has now contributed 15 goals and eight assists in 38 appearances across all competitions. He was given the chance to start, with Guardiola rotating his squad after last week’s Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.