‘We are ready to fight’ - Bernardo Silva gives Liverpool title verdict after Man City drop to second

Bernardo Silva has said Manchester City expected Liverpool to challenge for the Premier League title this season, following the sides’ 1-1 draw at the Etihad on Saturday.

The two teams went into the weekend as the top two in the division, but the shared points in Manchester allowed Arsenal to take first place after their win over Brentford a few hours later. Aston Villa’s win against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday also means that the top four are separated by just two points.

Last season it was a two-way race between Arsenal and City for the title, but Silva said he always felt Liverpool would be involved again this term, despite the Merseyside club finishing 22 points behind the champions in 2022/23.

“We expected it after a tough season for them,” said the Portuguese international. “We knew their energy was going to be back so it’s going to be tough – not just with them but Arsenal, Spurs – but we are also ready to fight.”

Asked for view on the title race, Silva said: “We enjoy it more when we win but it’s nice for the Premier League and fans when it’s this tight and there is emotion. 

“We now have four teams who are very close to each other. We are going to try our best to get a little bit of distance – last season wasn’t nice to be so far behind Arsenal. We want to stay close to the top so when it gets to February, March we are in the discussion again to win the Premier League.”

The versatile Silva ended last season operating predominantly from the right wing, but has played in midfield in the last six Premier League matches. “I’ve played in this position plenty of times so I’mm very used to playing as a no.8,” he said. 

“I’m enjoying it – it’s wherever the team needs me right now. I’ll do my best to help wherever the manager needs me. I like both – I think my natural position is a bit more in central areas but I can do both.”

After Saturday’s draw against Liverpool, it’s a home clash with Tottenham Hotspur next week in the Premier League, followed by a trip to Villa Park.