Bernardo Silva compared Manchester Cityâs 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 Arsenalâs 2-2 draw on Sunday, Silva highlighted the differences, mentioning Liverpoolâs recent accomplishments to subtly criticize Arsenal. He was visibly frustrated after the game, which was marked by controversy and on-field clashes.
âOnly one team came to play football,â Silva remarked. âThe 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.â
He expressed his disappointment in not securing three points but praised his teamâs approach: âWeâre not satisfied because we wanted the win, but Iâm proud of how we came to play and our attitude. Iâm happy we always aim to win every game.â
Silva was also asked about the nature of these rivalries and used Liverpoolâs achievements to make his point. âWhy is it different? Maybe because Liverpool has already won a championship, Arsenal hasnât,â he explained.
âLiverpool has also won a Champions League, something Arsenal hasnât. Liverpool has always played us head-to-head to win, but our games against Arsenal havenât been like those against Liverpool. So, yes, maybe itâs a different rivalry.â
Silva found himself in the spotlight during Sundayâs clash, especially after his involvement in the incident leading to Arsenalâs Leandro Trossardâs red card. Trossardâs second yellow came from a foul on Silva, forcing Arsenal to finish the match with ten men.
The match saw back-and-forth action. Cityâs Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the ninth minute, with Arsenal equalizing through a Riccardo Calafiori strike in the 22nd minute. Gabriel MagalhĂŁes put Arsenal ahead just before halftime, but City snatched a late draw when John Stones scored in the 98th minute.
Although City wasnât satisfied with the result, Silva emphasized that the team was proud of their approach: âWeâre not happy, we wanted three points, but considering how we played, weâre content.â
Silva also expressed frustration with the referee, particularly over two incidents that he felt impacted the result. One key moment was Rodriâs injury after being fouled twice in ten minutes.
He was especially upset about Arsenalâs first goal, noting that Kyle Walker was distracted by the referee, which contributed to Arsenalâs goal. Silva also felt the second goal should have been disallowed: âThe second goal was one we usually defend well, but the referee allowed it.â
âWhat bothers me most is how UEFA talks about controlling these situations at the start of the season, but they still happen,â he concluded.