Manchester City were already 4-0 up against Arsenal when Pep introduced his Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez to exploit Arsenal defence. This was his second appearance from the bench and City went on to win the match 5-0 and registered their second win of the English Premier League season.
Let us take a look at how the Algerian played in the last half an hour of the match.
Mahrez replaced City striker Gabriel Jesus who was playing on the right side of the attack in the 61st minute of the match. He played in his preferred position and his average position was a bit ahead of the player he replaced in the match.
The Algerian attempted a total of 31 passes in the match and his accuracy rate was 83.8%. Most of the passes played were simple passes. He also tried to play 2 smart passes from his favourite right side. 5 crosses were delivered inside the box and one of them resulted in a goal and 5 long balls were also played to trouble the Arsenal defence.
Mahrez looked more dangerous with the ball than his other teammates. In the 30 odd minutes he played, 4 balls were delivered in opposition 6-yard box which was more than any other City player. His assist also came from the cross delivered in this area. 6 other balls were also delivered in the opposition 18-yard box.
Not only his passing ability, but his dribbling was also influential during the last half hour of the play. The Algerian attempted 6 dribbles and his xT from dribbles was 0.126. These figures were more than every player on the pitch even with Grealish and other players playing more minutes than Mahrez. The xT from passes was second best to Gundogan and one of Mahrez passes led to a goal.
In between his passing and dribbling moments, Mahrez also attempted 2 shots on goal. Both his shots were off the target and his XG was 0.22 in the match.
Mahrez lost his place in the starting line-up after the first match of the season. In his place manager has started striker Gabriel Jesus who is more of a direct runner towards goal.
The Algerian is known for his skill and his ability with the left foot.
This impactful performance from the bench could earn him a start in the next match against Leicester
