Tottenham 0-1 Man City: Mahrez dedicates goal to fallen Leicester chairman

Riyad Mahrez celebrates scoring a goal against Tottenham Hotspurs [Courtesy]

Riyad Mahrez paid a heartfelt tribute to tragic Leicester chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha after sending Manchester City back to the top of the league.

Mahrez, part of the Foxes’ legendary title-winning team of 2016, pointed to the heavens after scoring the only goal of the game against Tottenham at Wembley.

And he said that despite being stunned by the tragedy, he was never tempted to sit out the match because his former mentor would have wanted him to play.

Mahrez told Sky Sports: "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. 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.

Mahrez pointed to the heavens after scoring the only goal of the game against Tottenham at Wembley [Courtesy]

"He was like a dad. He was very special. He was such a good person, a big heart and it was heart-breaking and shocking for me to hear this news and for all of the other people who died with him. It is a difficult situation I am with Leicester and the family of the victims.

"I always wanted to play. I know he would have wanted me to play. He was passionate about football. It was difficult (to play against Tottenham) but I kept thinking about him. It was difficult to sleep as well."

With the surface a muddy mess after Sunday’s NFL match, keeper Ederson launched the ball 70 yards from his goal kick, Raheem Sterling cut it back for Mahrez to fire home.

Erik Lamela blew Tottenham’s best chance to grab a point with just 11 minutes left when he blasted the ball over the bar with only Ederson to beat.

Guardiola’s move to change his tactics in the wake of the American football match between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars proved decisive.

The battle-scarred Wembley pitch still bore NFL markings along with the entire length of the playing surface with both flanks heavily discoloured.

Condemnation of the surface continued with Arsenal legend Ian Wright insisting: “It is ridiculous they are playing on this pitch.

“Man City should complain. I don’t think they should have to play on this calibre of the pitch.”