Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez insists he wasn't bothered by Kepa Arrizabalaga's antics as the Chelsea goalkeeper attempted to put him off during Sunday's FA Cup match.
Alvarez, who was making his first City start since winning the World Cup with Argentina, scored from the spot in a 4-0 victory. Riyad Mahrez scored twice in the win, with Phil Foden also on target, as Pep Guardiola's team set up a fourth-round clash with either Oxford United or Arsenal.
Before the 22-year-old put away his penalty, Kepa had attempted to distract him by walking up to Alvarez and starting a conversation. It didn't work, though, with the spot-kick nestling in the back of the net.
"The goalkeepers always try to do their thing, it doesn’t bother me at all," Alvarez told ESPN Argentina. "I try to be focused on my job. I had already decided which way I was going to shoot and well, it was a goal."
Alvarez is no stranger to these kinds of tactics from a goalkeeper. He was part of the Argentina side which won the World Cup final on penalties after Emi Martinez got in the heads of the French takers, but Gary Lineker argued Kepa and Martinez are not on the same level.
"Pound shop Emi Martinez" was Lineker's verdict. Not only did Kepa fail to keep out Alvarez's effort, but he was later beaten from the spot for a second time as Mahrez rounded off the scoring. The result means Chelsea have won just two of their last nine games in all competitions, with pressure increasing on manager Graham Potter.
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“I missed his happiness," City boss Guardiola said of Alvarez. "He helped us a lot, with the World Cup. Today Julian feels and Riyad as well that the way we went there, how aggressive we were.
“He played really, really well. I said many times, we are now still in four competitions, so we need all the squad. Everyone is humble to accept the minutes for the team, they will be welcome to be part of this team.”
Manchester City are right back in cup action on Wednesday, with an EFL Cup quarter-final against Southampton. They also eliminated Chelsea from that competition, with Mahrez and Alvarez on target in a 2-0 victory in the third round.
Guardiola's team are next in league action on January 14, travelling to Old Trafford for a Manchester Derby as they look to complete a double over Man Utd after winning 6-3 in October. They have a five-point gap to make up on Arsenal, who they will meet for the first time in the league this season on February 15.
