Bernardo Silva admits Pep Guardiola request is ‘very tough’ following Man City win over Arsenal

Bernardo Silva has admitted his role in the Manchester City team has been ‘very tough’ in recent matches, with the 28-year-old operating in a complicated yet vital job for Pep Guardiola.

In the wins over Aston Villa and Arsenal, Silva started in midfield and was asked to link the play and drive forward with the ball, while also expected to drop into left-back when City lost possession. Wednesday’s trip to the Emirates was a particularly difficult assignment, with the former Monaco and Benfica man given the difficult task of stopping Arsenal’s key man Bukayo Saka.

Silva also ended the match playing at right wing, underlining his flexibility and resourcefulness for Guardiola, who praised the Portugal international after the huge top-of-the-table encounter on Wednesday.

“Bernardo has something special in his personality, his character,” said the City boss. “He started at left-back and finished on the right wing, it shows how good he is as a player. He understands playing in any position because he is so smart. He did it really well.”

While Guardiola praised Silva’s intelligent play, speaking to ManchesterWorld after the game, the player said his unique role in the team is a ‘challenge’, but one he enjoys.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s very tough,” he explained. “When you have to play those positions you have to have a defender’s mentality. You lose a little bit of your offensive thinking and what you do with the ball.

“You are more focused on not making mistakes and defending well, occupying the spaces. It’s been challenging but it’s been nice. It’s a good challenge. I love challenges and I try to help the team as much as possible in the games we have won.”

Wednesday’s win over Arsenal was a hugely significant one for City, who moved back to the Premier League summit for the first time in 101 days, and overtook Mikel Arteta’s men in the process. It was also a professional and dominant display from the champions in the second period, as Arsenal dropped points for a third game in a row.

“[It was] an important win for us. We knew how tough it would be to come here to the Emirates,” said Silva. “They have a great team with a lot of energy, so three very important points. We are very happy but knowing some things aren’t perfect, but the most important thing is the win and we did.

“[We need to] keep putting pressure on them because they still have a game in hand, they can still go three points above us,” Silva added. “So keep going, still lots of games to be played, lots of points to be played. We’re there in the fight.”