City thought it was all over, says Bernardo Silva

Manchester City is back on top of the Premier League but Bernardo Silva thought it had blown its chance after defeat to Newcastle United.

Published : Feb 08, 2019 09:29 IST

Bernardo Silva has been identified as a standout performer of late by Pep Guardiola.
Bernardo Silva has been identified as a standout performer of late by Pep Guardiola.
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Bernardo Silva has been identified as a standout performer of late by Pep Guardiola.

Bernardo Silva thought Manchester City had blown its title defence when it lost at Newcastle United last week.

A 2-1 reverse at St James' Park handed Liverpool the chance to go seven points clear with victory over Leicester City.

But Harry Maguire cancelled out Sadio Mane's opener to secure a 1-1 draw and West Ham's Michail Antonio did likewise on Monday.

READ | Alisson insists Liverpool's title belief is unshaken

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola's men saw off Arsenal 3-1 thanks to a Sergio Aguero hat-trick and goals in stoppage time at the end of each half from Aymeric Laporte and Gabriel Jesus sealed a 2-0 win at Everton on Wednesday – moving them above Liverpool on goal difference for the first time since December, albeit having played a game more.

"After Newcastle, it was very tough on us," Portugal playmaker Silva told reporters.

"We were very disappointed, more than anyone else. The players, the staff, we were all very sad, because we all thought we had lost the league in that game.

"Fortunately, Liverpool drew against Leicester and that gave us a little bit of hope. Then there was another draw against West Ham and that meant the race was on.

"Mentally, this is a big boost for us. We will try to keep doing our job and not relax as we did against Newcastle."

City faces another stern test on Sunday when it hosts Chelsea, having suffered its first Premier League defeat of the campaign against Maurizio Sarri's side last time it ceded top spot to Liverpool.

ALSO READ | Babbel: Klopp will be a Liverpool legend if he delivers title

After that comes an FA Cup fifth-round trip to take on giant-killers Newport County and a Champions League last-16 visit to Schalke before reconvening with Chelsea in the EFL Cup final.

Silva, who was identified as a standout performer of late by Guardiola, has no doubt his team-mates are equipped to battle for honours on four fronts.

"In my opinion, it is not problematic at all - especially when you have a squad like ours," he added.

"If we don't have injuries then I think we can cope, no problem at all. It is good to have lots of games as it means we are fighting for everything. Mentally it is good. We will try to do it."

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