RIYAD Mahrez insisted Saints are a “very good team” but that Manchester City knew the way they were going to press and were able to counter it.

The Algerian international could have had a treble of his own but did get on the scoresheet just after half-time of the eventual 4-0 defeat at Etihad Stadium.

Mahrez, 31, was denied early on by Gavin Bazunu and then blazed over the bar on the volley – both inside the opening 10 minutes.

Pep Guardiola’s charges have ramped up the pressure even more on Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl with four consecutive Premier League defeats.

Speaking after the match, which saw teammates Joao Cancelo, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland also score, Mahrez said: “Southampton are a very good team and we knew that they were going to press that way.

“There is a good feeling right now. It was a good game, a good score and we have to keep going. Four goals, zero conceded and we controlled the game.

“We had a few chances in the first half that we missed but apart from that we didn’t concede much and played very good.”

Mahrez managed four total shots and an 87 per cent pass completion rate before he was eventually by Guardiola after 70 minute.

Mahrez added: “To be fair, I missed a few chances in the first half that I don’t miss normally! But it happens sometimes and the second half was better.

“It was a good goal. It was a good pass from Rodri and I tried to put it away from the goalkeeper.

“It is good to play in this team, like every season. Nothing changes and that is why we have been able to be one of the best teams.”

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