Bernardo Silva hails 'unbelievable' Manchester City show
Manchester City scored five times inside the opening 18 minutes against Watford, much to the amazement of Bernardo Silva.
Published : Sep 21, 2019 23:18 IST
Hat-trick hero Bernardo Silva described the opening half-hour of Manchester City's record 8-0 win over Watford as "unbelievable".
After last weekend's shock defeat to Norwich City, Pep Guardiola's side returned to winning ways in the Premier League in spectacular fashion, registering its biggest ever top-flight victory.
David Silva got City on its way after 52 seconds before a Sergio Aguero penalty and goals from Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and Nicolas Otamendi put the game out of the sight by the midway point of the first half.
Silva completed the first top-flight hat-trick of his career in the second period before Kevin De Bruyne added an eighth five minutes from time.
Portugal international Silva was in awe of his side's performance and admits he did have some sympathy for Watford's players at the end.
"We were unbelievable in the first 30 minutes, scored lots of goals and had control," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "After the Norwich defeat, it was great to give our fans the result and the performance.
"We aimed to keep it going in the second half. We didn't want them to hurt us or score past us.
"Football is a hard game. I've won 8-0 today but I've lost plenty of times by four or five goals. You just have to keep going so I wished the Watford players well."
De Bruyne was in imperious form and Silva is in doubt about the Belgian's qualities.
"Kevin is a fantastic player," he added. "Everyone knows how good he is when he is fit. When he is playing like today, he is one of the best players in the Premier League."
-Man City players have nothing to prove, insists Guardiola-
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City's players have nothing to prove after it returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a record 8-0 win over Watford on Saturday.
The reigning champion slipped to a shock defeat at Norwich City last weekend but were in sumptuous form against the Hornets, racing into a five-goal lead inside the opening 18 minutes.
Some questioned City's ability to win a third consecutive title after the defeat at Carrow Road, but Guardiola believes there has been an overreaction to that loss.
He told BBC's Match of the Day: "Do you think after what these guys have done for two seasons they have to prove something?
"We listened after Norwich, but people don't understand that we can lose games. Sometimes I am surprised that former players and pundits still don't understand that.
Bernardo Silva struck the first top-flight hat-trick of his career in the win and Guardiola was full of praise for the man he describes as last season's stand-out performer.
"Bernardo was the best player last season," he added. "He was extraordinary. I don't think he needs to score three goals to get the credit he deserves."
-Foster embarrassed as Watford lose 8-0 to Manchester City-
Ben Foster accepted it was embarrassing after Watford suffered its record league defeat at the hands of rampant Manchester City.
The Premier League champions ran out 8-0 winners at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, achieving its record top-flight victory.
Watford was also thrashed 6-0 by City in last season's FA Cup final, a match in which Foster was on the bench for the Hornets.
But this time out he had a prime spot to see Pep Guardiola's men bounce back in style from its loss to Norwich City last weekend.
"It's probably a bit of shock, embarrassment," Foster said to Sky Sports.
"I think we let ourselves down today and the fans a bit. The fans were giving it everything, all they've got. Unfortunately, we on the pitch didn't give it all we have got.
"As a keeper coming to City and Liverpool, if you let five in in 20 minutes you fear the worst, you think cricket scores.
"They are without doubt the best team I have ever played against. We were poor, didn't lay a glove on them, but at times it was breathtaking watching them.
"You come away to City and I'm not joking, you come here and think if you keep it to two or three - they are so good. Them and Liverpool are a different level.