Bernardo Silva compared Manchester Cityโs rivalry with Liverpool to the newer one with Arsenal, giving Liverpool the edge due to their recent trophy successes.
When asked to compare these rivalries after City and Arsenalโs 2-2 draw on Sunday, Silva highlighted the differences, mentioning Liverpoolโs recent accomplishments to subtly criticize Arsenal. He was visibly frustrated after the game, which was marked by controversy and on-field clashes.
โOnly one team came to play football,โ Silva remarked. โThe other played to the edge of what was allowed by the referee. Unfortunately, we could only get a draw, which was the best outcome given the context of the final moments.โ
He expressed his disappointment in not securing three points but praised his teamโs approach: โWeโre not satisfied because we wanted the win, but Iโm proud of how we came to play and our attitude. Iโm happy we always aim to win every game.โ
Silva was also asked about the nature of these rivalries and used Liverpoolโs achievements to make his point. โWhy is it different? Maybe because Liverpool has already won a championship, Arsenal hasnโt,โ he explained.
โLiverpool has also won a Champions League, something Arsenal hasnโt. Liverpool has always played us head-to-head to win, but our games against Arsenal havenโt been like those against Liverpool. So, yes, maybe itโs a different rivalry.โ
Silva found himself in the spotlight during Sundayโs clash, especially after his involvement in the incident leading to Arsenalโs Leandro Trossardโs red card. Trossardโs second yellow came from a foul on Silva, forcing Arsenal to finish the match with ten men.
The match saw back-and-forth action. Cityโs Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the ninth minute, with Arsenal equalizing through a Riccardo Calafiori strike in the 22nd minute. Gabriel Magalhรฃes put Arsenal ahead just before halftime, but City snatched a late draw when John Stones scored in the 98th minute.
Although City wasnโt satisfied with the result, Silva emphasized that the team was proud of their approach: โWeโre not happy, we wanted three points, but considering how we played, weโre content.โ
Silva also expressed frustration with the referee, particularly over two incidents that he felt impacted the result. One key moment was Rodriโs injury after being fouled twice in ten minutes.
He was especially upset about Arsenalโs first goal, noting that Kyle Walker was distracted by the referee, which contributed to Arsenalโs goal. Silva also felt the second goal should have been disallowed: โThe second goal was one we usually defend well, but the referee allowed it.โ
โWhat bothers me most is how UEFA talks about controlling these situations at the start of the season, but they still happen,โ he concluded.