Mahrez slips up as City close in on top-four spot
MANCHESTER CITY survived a late scare at home to Leicester as Riyad Mahrez’s penalty slip proved costly, meaning Pep Guardiola’s side closed out the match 2-1.
As the Algerian stepped up to give the Foxes a chance of an equaliser, he slipped and the ball hit his right foot after he made the attempt with his left, meaning referee Robert Madley had no option but to give the foul for a double touch.
David Silva had given City the lead in the 29th minute, the Spaniard deflecting in Leroy Sane’s initial attempt.
The opener was shrouded in controversy, however, as the Foxes claimed Raheem Sterling was in an offside position as he tried to get the final touch in poking the ball over the line.
City looked to be cruising after Gabriel Jesus put them 2-0 ahead from the penalty spot on 36 minutes after Yohan Benalouane brought down Sane.
However, Shinji Okazaki got Leicester back into the match early in the second half, turning in a Marc Albrighton cross. But the rejuvenated champions could not find the leveller they were after and City moved into third place.
After seeing Chelsea lift the title on Friday, Guardiola said: ‘I must congratulate Chelsea on being champions, the last champion was Leicester — the last two or three months with their results they would be in the Champions League positions. That’s why I have a lot of value in this victory.
‘We have the regret of not fighting for the title until the end — but we will improve.’
First-half efforts from Fernando Llorente and Kyle Naughton moved Swansea four points clear of relegation rivals Hull, who will lose their top-flight status should they lose at Crystal Palace today.
Southampton survived a Middlesbrough fightback to remain on course for a top-half finish with a 2-1 victory on Teesside.
Goals from Jay Rodriguez and Nathan Redmond either side of half-time put Saints in control but Patrick Bamford’s 72nd-minute strike set up a nervy finish.
Elsewhere, Bournemouth beat Burnley 2-1.
Junior Stanislas and Josh King scored either side of Sam Vokes’ 83rd-minute equaliser secured three points for Eddie Howe’s team.