BREAKING NEWS: “We are lucky to have secured so many Premier League titles before Arsenal became this strong,” says Man City star Bernardo Silva, who shares the one factor that could lead to Arsenal being named the 2024/25 PL Champions by June.
Manchester City’s creative midfielder Bernardo Silva has lavished praise on Arsenal’s transformation this season, particularly after their gritty goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium. This result marked the end of Manchester City’s phenomenal run of 57 consecutive home games with a goal, signaling Arsenal’s newfound defensive prowess under Mikel Arteta.
The highly anticipated match fell short of fireworks but showcased Arsenal’s resilience and defensive discipline. The spotlight fell on William Saliba, whose commanding performance earned him the Man of the Match accolade from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville. Saliba’s return to the starting lineup starkly contrasted with last season, where his absence led to a damaging 4-1 defeat to City.
Bernardo Silva, speaking to Sky Sports after the match, reflected on Arsenal’s growth over the past year. “They’ve become a really tough team to face,” Silva admitted. “Their pressing is relentless and well-coordinated, and when they defend deep, their wide players drop back to create a formidable defensive block. Whether pressing or sitting back, they are incredibly well-organized.”
Silva didn’t hold back in comparing Arsenal’s tactical evolution to their approach last season. “In April, they were more open and took bigger risks, which suited players like Kevin [De Bruyne] and Erling [Haaland]. This season, they are more composed and calculated. Their young players have grown significantly in maturity, and it shows on the pitch.”
Central to this transformation has been William Saliba. The French defender’s return has added stability to Arsenal’s backline, allowing them to remain compact and unyielding against one of the most potent attacks in Europe. Last season, Saliba’s injury exposed Arsenal’s defensive frailties, with Rob Holding struggling to fill the void alongside Gabriel Magalhães.
This season, however, Arsenal’s defense has been revitalized. Saliba’s physicality, tactical intelligence, and ability to read the game have been instrumental in shutting down City’s creative outlets. His partnership with Gabriel has blossomed, providing Arsenal with the foundation needed to compete at the highest level.
Beyond individual brilliance, Arsenal’s collective discipline stood out. Their ability to frustrate Manchester City, a team renowned for its attacking flair, is a testament to Arteta’s work on the training ground. Silva acknowledged this improvement, stating, “They’re no longer just a young, exciting team. They’re a well-drilled machine capable of grinding out results in difficult games.”
The draw has serious implications for the Premier League title race. Arsenal’s performance not only reaffirmed their credentials as title contenders but also raised questions about City’s ability to fend off their closest rivals this season. With Arsenal sitting near the top of the table, their confidence is undoubtedly growing.
Saliba’s resurgence isn’t just a win for Arsenal but also a lesson in squad management and resilience. His absence last season was keenly felt, but the way he has bounced back highlights his professionalism and determination to succeed at the highest level. Arsenal fans will hope his fitness remains intact as the season progresses.
This game also highlighted Arsenal’s growth in tactical flexibility. Arteta’s ability to adapt his team’s approach—whether pressing high or sitting deep—has added a new dimension to their play. Bernardo Silva emphasized this adaptability, stating, “They’re no longer predictable. They can hurt you in different ways, which makes them dangerous.”
Arsenal’s improved maturity, especially in high-pressure games, has been evident. Gone are the days when their youthful exuberance led to costly mistakes. Instead, this is a team that exudes confidence and composure, even in the most challenging circumstances.
As the season unfolds, the battle between Arsenal and Manchester City promises to be one of the most captivating title races in recent memory. While City has dominated the Premier League in recent years, Silva’s comments suggest a recognition of Arsenal’s growing threat.
Reflecting on City’s previous dominance, Silva remarked, “We’re lucky to have secured so many titles before they reached this level. If they continue like this, they’ll be champions by June.”
Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta is a testament to the club’s patience and investment in young talent. Players like Saliba, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Ødegaard have become the spine of a team that looks destined for greatness.
For City, this match was a wake-up call. While their star-studded squad remains formidable, Arsenal’s rise serves as a reminder that no team can rest on its laurels in the ever-competitive Premier League.
As the season heads into its critical months, both teams will have opportunities to prove their mettle. But for now, Arsenal’s ability to match City at the Etihad feels like a significant psychological victory in the race for the 2024/25 Premier League title.