Bernardo Silva’s performance against Arsenal shows what Manchester City are losing

The Manchester City captain’s all-action display captured what has made him indispensable to Pep Guardiola

By Opta Analyst

“You were like fucking Cannavaro today.” Erling Haaland scored the winner in Manchester City’s colossal 2-1 victory against Arsenal but he was quick to highlight the real standout performer: his team’s captain, Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese midfielder will leave City in the summer after nine trophy-laden seasons, and his latest all-action display against gave everyone a clear reminder of what Pep Guardiola’s side will be losing when he departs.

Haaland was referring to a crucial headed clearance late on, with Silva defending his own box and beating 6ft 2in striker Viktor Gyökeres to a dangerous cross. Silva and Cannavaro play in different positions, but the comparison to the World Cup-winning centre-back felt pretty accurate. Like Cannavaro, Silva is not particularly tall or physically imposing, but he compensates with his outstanding timing, bravery and reading of the game.