Riyad Mahrez played a decisive role in Manchester City’s important victory over Chelsea last Saturday, scoring his side’s second goal to secure all three points for the reigning champions. The win allowed the Sky Blues to stay within touching distance of Premier League leaders Liverpool, although Pep Guardiola’s men still trail the Reds by eight points in the standings. While that gap may seem significant at this stage of the season, Mahrez remains confident that it is far from insurmountable.
In a tightly contested clash, City showed character and determination to overcome a tough Chelsea side. Mahrez’s goal proved crucial, giving his team breathing room and ultimately sealing the result. The Algerian winger once again demonstrated his value with a composed finish and an influential performance, underlining why he continues to be a key figure in Guardiola’s attacking setup.
Speaking after the match in the mixed zone, Mahrez struck an optimistic tone when discussing the title race. Drawing on last season’s dramatic comeback, he reminded observers that Manchester City have already shown they are capable of overturning large deficits. For him, experience and belief are just as important as mathematics when chasing a championship.
“Last year, at one point, there was a 10-point gap,” Mahrez recalled. “We were 10 points behind and in the end, we managed to win the championship. We will go our own way. We are built to try to win every match and that is what we try to do every time.”
His comments reflect the mentality that has defined Manchester City in recent years. Rather than focusing on their rivals’ results, the players prefer to concentrate on their own performances, taking each game as it comes. This approach helped them mount a remarkable run last season, when they strung together a series of victories to overtake Liverpool and lift the trophy.
However, this campaign presents a slightly different challenge. Liverpool appear stronger and more consistent than ever, having learned from past disappointments. Jürgen Klopp’s side has shown greater maturity and resilience, dropping very few points and maintaining relentless pressure at the top of the table. Their ability to grind out results, even when not at their best, makes them particularly dangerous opponents in the title race.
Despite this, Mahrez and his teammates are not ready to concede anything. With many matches still to be played, the Algerian international believes there is ample time for the situation to change. Injuries, form fluctuations, and the packed schedule can all influence the standings, and City know that a strong run could quickly reduce the deficit.
