JUST RIYMahrez double seals City romp after Pep talk

NOTHING like a Pep talk to get Manchester City buzzing again.

Seriously, what did we expect? With City boss Pep Guardiola back in the dug-out after his Champions League ban, his side were on fire in Wales.

In his absence from the bench, they might have crashed to Lyon in midweek, but there was never any chance of a repeat defeat yesterday.

Quite the reverse. A sizzling threegoal burst in 13 first-half minutes before the break, sparked by Sergio Aguero’s 205th strike on his 300th City appearance, battered Neil Warnock’s Cardiff senseless. And if the overall display was satisfying for Guardiola, so was the sight of Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez (twice) all finding the net

But the Spanish superstar coach refused to take any personal credit for City’s fourth victory in five games for his unbeaten defending Premier League champions.

Instead he heaped praise on his side – hot on the heels of leaders Liverpool with a two-point gap.

Asked if being on the sidelines rather than in the stands had made the difference at the Cardiff City Stadium, Guardiola (right) declared: “I don’t play, my friend.

“The managers, we are there when players have little doubts, to support them. It’s the same group, and they are an exceptional group. When the situation is not good in terms of results, the closer I am to them. They deserve all my respect. They made me happy for two seasons, and that’s why, always, I will be with them.

“I am happier today as we were more dynamic. After a bad result in midweek, we responded with the same level we’ve had for the last 12 or 13 months.

“The first 20-25 minutes is always complicated, but after one and two goals it was easier.

“I thought that was Gundogan’s best game for us was important for Mahrez to his first goals. He deserves chances.” When Aguero slammed i opener on 31 minutes, Blue fans must have feared the wo And that nightmare sce came true as three mi later Leroy Sane cr for Silva to se beautiful back header into th corner. Two soon be three, with other Ger Gundogan, fini off the creative w Sane and Ra