Bernardo Silva has discussed the difference between Manchester City’s rivalries with Liverpool and Arsenal and has aimed a dig at Arsenal’s approach to clashes between the teams.
Arsenal have emerged as the closest challengers to Manchester City over the last two seasons with consecutive runners-up finishes in the Premier League.
The latest instalment in games between the two teams played out in a 2-2 draw at the Etihad on Sunday, with John Stones scoring a 98th-minute equaliser to rescue a point for Manchester City.
Arsenal have been criticised for their defensive set-up in recent clashes with City and defended for long periods at the weekend after Leandro Trossard was sent off in first-half stoppage time.
Bernardo was asked whether Arsenal had become City’s chief rivals, following a long-standing rivalry with Liverpool for major trophies in recent campaigns.
Manchester City midfielder says Liverpool rivalry ‘different’ to Arsenal
However, Silva said the club’s battles with Liverpool were different due to contrasting approaches from the two sides. He said Liverpool’s success in major competitions and ‘clear intention’ to win games between them sets that rivalry apart from Arsenal.
“Well, perhaps because Liverpool has already won the Premier League and Arsenal hasn’t,” he told TNT Sports.
“Liverpool at that time had also won a Champions League, while Arsenal hasn’t.
“Liverpool always faced us head-on, to win matches. Liverpool always face us with clear intention of winning the game. From that perspective, our games against Arsenal haven’t been like the matches against Liverpool were, and still are.”
