Making his first appearance since New Year’s Day after being away on international duty in the Africa Cup of Nations, Mahrez again showed his quality, first scoring from the spot and then adding another both after the break.
City’s leading scorer this term, the brace took the Algerian’s tally to 15 for the season.
And the City boss was full of praise for Mahrez‘s latest contribution – especially his unerring calmness from the spot.
“As a player he has a special quality,” said Guardiola.
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“In the last year we struggled with penalties and now he is a guarantee.
“He scores every penalty he takes and especially under pressure.
“You take a penalty at 4-0 and it is easy but last season in Dortmund he scored when we were 1-0 down and this season 1-0 down against Arsenal he scored.
He has the personality to take the ball and do it.”
Play the video to watch Pep’s press conference in full
