‘I was thinking’ - Bernardo Silva reveals reason behind robust Alejandro Garnacho challenge

Bernardo Silva said it was his frustration at Alejandro Garnacho’s time-wasting tactics that led to his robust challenge on the Manchester United winger during Saturday’s Community Shield.

The Portugal international took exception to Garnacho’s decision to knock the ball away after a free-kick had been awarded, which held up Manchester City in the latter stages of the game at Wembley as they chased an equaliser.

It was Garnacho who had given United the lead in the 82nd minute when he stepped inside and fired a drive beyond Ederson, and looked to have sealed another derby victory for Erik ten Hag’s side.

But Silva had other plans and with just over a minute remaining of normal time his back-post header ensured the game finished 1-1 and went to penalties, which City duly won courtesy of Jonny Evans’ skied shot.

In between the goals, Silva’s coming together with Garnacho resulted in the former picking up a booking as he barged into the United winger long after the ball had gone.

“I was thinking that it was a foul for us and that he doesn't need to touch the ball,” Silva explained after the game. “So if he touches the ball, I'm allowed to do something like that. 

“I know that I will get a yellow card, but the rules are the rules. I'm happy with my yellow card. At that time of the game we're losing, we need to start with the game and the tactics of delaying the game - I don't like it, and that was it.”

Guardiola admitted post-match that a slightly undercooked City weren’t at their best against United and could, on another day, have lost. But the win on penalties means the Blues begin the new campaign with silverware, a derby win and some sort of revenge for May’s FA Cup loss.

“After losing a cup final against probably your biggest rivals, you always want even more to win the game after against them,” said Silva. “And this was the case. We really wanted to give this title to our fans. 

“It was not an easy game. I think we started really well in the first 35 minutes. Then for some parts of the game they were better than us. But at the end, penalties, not penalties, we won the title and we were really happy.”

Silva can count himself somewhat fortunate to emerge from the shootout with a win after he missed his effort from the spot. It’s the second time in less than four months that the 30-year-old has failed to convert a penalty for City, and he also missed a in the Champions League shootout exit to Real Madrid in April.

“Pep already told me that I'm not taking the next one, so you guys don't need to worry about that,” he revealed after the game. “I feel a bit frustrated in terms of the penalty was not what I practised at all in training. And it's the second one in a row that I miss for Man City. So yeah, a bit frustrated.”

After a mixed Wembley afternoon, now the focus turns to Stamford Bridge and the return of Premier League football. The champions have eight days to recuperate and build fitness before beginning a fifth straight season seeking to defend their title.

“It's another season that our rivals sign new players. They look stronger,” claimed Silva, who has won six Premier League titles at the Etihad. “Arsenal looks better and better year after year. We know that.

“Liverpool are always very strong and in England, all the rest I can say, Tottenham, Chelsea, Man United. Obviously they didn't finish the season as strong as Liverpool and Arsenal but we're ready. We're going to be ready.”

There was also a warning to his City team-mates from the experienced midfielder: “You cannot win forever. One day we will lose. Hopefully not this season, but one day it will. It will happen to us.”