Manchester City came from 2-0 down to beat Crystal Palace 4-2 on Saturday and Erling Haaland bagged a hat-trick in the process. The 22-year-old was not the star of the show at the Etihad Stadium, however, as Bernardo Silva put in a brilliant performance to earn himself the plaudits.
Where will Manchester City finish in the Premier League this season?
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th or lower
Pep Guardiola said of the 28-year-old in City’s post-match press conference: “I am happy Bernardo became a winning player. When the game is going wrong he always steps forward. He loves to play in the games when the situation is uncomfortable and that is why Bernardo is irreplaceable for us.”
Against Palace, the Portuguese international played for 90 minutes, had 76 touches, completed 89.3% of his 56 passes, created four chances, had three shots with one goal, whipped in two crosses with 50% finding a teammate, had two successful dribbles and won two fouls.
Silva can play in defensive midfield, central midfield, out wide and as a makeshift striker, so he’s a key player for Guardiola. It’s no wonder City are desperate to hold onto him amid interest from Barcelona, but it’s hard to see them letting Silva go.
He would be impossible to replace this late in the transfer window and his value to City is immeasurable.
In other news, Pep Guardiola might call upon Kalvin Phillips to solve defensive crisis