Mahrez stars in pitch battle

Pep Guardiola claimed Manchester City's 1-0 win over Tottenham was extra special because of the problems posed by Wembley's damaged pitch.

Playing on the scarred Wembley turf just 24 hours after it was torn up by an NFL fixture, City's peerless quality and a predatory finish from Riyad Mahrez helped them win the pitch battle.

Mahrez dedicated his winner to Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha after the "heart-breaking" death of the Leicester owner. The Algeria winger enjoyed a good relationship with the charismatic Vichai before moving to City ahead of the current campaign.

Devastated Mahrez admitted he was torn about whether to play for City against Tottenham, but went ahead because he believed Vichai would have wanted him to.

"It has been very, very difficult for me. It is not easy to have this type of stuff. The 'Boss' was very special to me," Mahrez told Sky Sports. "I spent four and a half years there and have many memories with him. He was such a good person.

"I am very, very sad. That is why when I scored I put my hands in the sky for him. He did a lot for me and Leicester and it is difficult to speak about. It is very sad."

A sixth victory from their last seven league games lifted Guardiola's unbeaten side back above Liverpool on goal difference.

And the manager singled out Mahrez for praise, saying: "Riyad was good. He was focused and he did a great job. He knew the Leicester owner perfectly. It's so tough for the Leicester family."

Pep also admitted he was relieved to see his players cope with the treacherous conditions.

"It was a great victory in special conditions, against one of the most physical teams in Europe," he said. "It was not football conditions to play. We reacted well. For our players and the players of Tottenham, hopefully they will sort the problem for the future.

"It's a question for the Premier League and Tottenham. We were invited to come here today for the fixture hopefully they can solve that problem."

Guardiola was frustrated that City wasted several chances to kill off Tottenham and warned them they must improve if they want to retain the title and win the Champions League.

It was a dispiriting evening for fifth placed Tottenham, who now trail City by five points after their first league defeat in five games. Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld blamed the pitch, saying: "I have to be honest, the pitch wasn't good. Both teams like to play out from the back and to play football in these circumstances, it was very difficult."