The Algerian has been in magnificent form of late and was again at his mesmeric best at the Eihad, capping a fine display by scoring our third goal with a Leander Dendoncker own goal and a brace from Gabriel Jesus sealing our 21st consecutive win.
As he reflected on the victory – which saw City equal our club record of going 28 games unbeaten in all competitions – the manager was effusive in his praise for Mahrez who is playing some of the best football of his City career.
“The last games were outstanding. He played really well. He has a special quality,” Guardiola declared.
CITY+ | SIGN UP TO ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
“He is a guy who dances on the pitch. He doesn’t lose balls on the pitch. He makes the extra pass. He attracts opponents on the pitch and after he makes a pass in behind.
“He makes fantastic crosses. We knew it.
“At Leicester, he was outstanding with Jamie Vardy. That’s why we pushed for him. We hope he can continue.”
City had to show character as well as our quality in fighting back after Conor Coady had pulled the visitors level midway through the second half.
However, we stayed the course and struck three times in the final 10 minutes to seal a 15th consecutive league win and move 15 points clear at the op of the table.
It was also a lesson that the boss feels will serve us well – especially looking forward to the knockout format of the Champions League.
“We reacted well. Not just right after to concede the goal. We have to be better. In knockout games you have to be stable,” Guardiola declared.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE OFFICIAL MAN CITY PODCAST
“We created incredible chances before the 1-1. It is a good lesson for the knockout stages because the opponents at a high level, don’t need much to punish you.
“To finish the way we did at the end is a really good night for us.
“I said after the last game against West Ham, when you win 21 games, you don’t always win 5-0 and everything is perfect. Every team creates a lot of problems in different ways.
“(To record) 15-20 victories in this period is incredible.
“I didn’t expect to be in this position three months ago. All we have to do is stay calm.
“Today I had a feeling we were going to be good. I had a feeling in the warm-up we were ready.
“We played 95 mins against that team and played really well in all terms.”
