Riyad Mahrez has come under heavy, but unnecessary criticism this season after skying a penalty over the bar at Anfield in the early stages of the season.
But what people have not realised, is just how crucial the Algerian international’s contributions have been in keeping Manchester City inthe title race, and not out of it.
And I am not just talking about the odd goal in heavy victories. The 28-year-old has scored the winning goal in three different Premier League away fixtures this campaign.
First up, a difficult game away to Tottenham at Wembley did not faze Mahrez. The right winger scored the only goal of the game to give Man City a 1-0 win.
Secondly, Mahrez assisted one goal and then scored the all important winner away at Watford in a 2-1 victory. We have seen this season just how difficult it is to go to the likes of Tottenham and Watford and to win.
Mahrez deserves huge credit for the points he has gained his club in these games, effectively keeping Pep Guardiola’s side in the title race and showing why he was signed in the summer.
And thirdly, Mahrez came off the bench a few weeks ago to score the winning goal at Bournemouth. Man City fans should be grateful and not hateful.