Erling Haaland was the decisive man in the top match against Arsenal FC with his goal to make it 2:1. After the game, however, the Manchester City striker singled out Bernardo Silva, who was in the spotlight for once thanks to his strong defensive actions.
The English championship battle is exciting again because Manchester City won the top match against Arsenal FC 2:1. As a result, the Sky Blues, who have played one game less, are now just three points behind. The key man on Sunday evening was once again Erling Haaland, who was also impressive in the duels with the Gunners’ central defenders.
“Erling was fantastic today, the way he fought for every ball. It’s difficult against two central defenders. He was unbelievable. He fought like an animal today,” said City captain Bernardo Silva after the game in a double interview with his Norwegian colleague on the Sky microphone. After a very intense 97 minutes, it was not only the battles between Haaland and Gabriel that remain in the memory, but also some strong defensive actions from Bernardo Silva.
Bernardo Silva cooks off Havertz and Gyökeres
The Portuguese was once known for his creativity in attacking midfield for the Skyblues. He now regularly plays one row further back alongside Rodri on Man City’s double-six. And this more defensive positioning is not only noticeable on paper.
Bernardo Silva also interprets the role as a central midfielder with impressive defensive commitment. Against Arsenal, there were two scenes in particular that caught the eye: A long ball seemed to have taken the City defense by surprise, but in a running duel with Kai Havertz, Bernardo Silva prevailed as the last man despite being at a physical disadvantage. And in stoppage time, the 1.73-metre-tall, high-class player also won a header duel in his own penalty area against substitute Viktor Gyökeres.
Haaland was reminded of a former world-class defender by these strong defensive actions from the comparatively small Bernardo Silva: “I told Bernardo: You were like fucking Cannavaro today. Berni – I’m not going to get emotional – but you were really good.”
The fact that Man City narrowly won the top game in the end was not just down to the good performances of Haaland and Bernardo Silva, however, it was mainly down to luck being on the Sky Blues’ side. In the second half, Arsenal had two great chances to take the lead themselves and then enough opportunities to equalize. However, strong saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma and a lack of chances stood in the way of another Gunners goal. “These big games are just like that: it’s about the small details that make the difference,” said Bernardo Silva.
Haaland: “Every game is a final”
In order for Manchester City to actually draw level with leaders Arsenal, they still need a win at Burnley FC on Wednesday (9pm). Haaland sharpened his senses once again beforehand and made it clear that the success against the Gunners did not yet mean the title: “Every game is a final. We have another final on Wednesday. The Burnley game is just as important as this game. We have to focus, stay humble and not think too much.”
