Silva’s sympathy for Sterling over fight for City spot

BERNARDO SILVA wants to maintain momentum after re-establishing himself as one of Manchester City’s key players but understands the frustrations of Raheem Sterling.

The Portugal midfielder expressed a desire to leave the club in the summer in order to get more game time. Yet with no serious prospect of a move materialising in a difficult transfer window, the 27-year-old was left to fight for his place at the Etihad Stadium.

Handed an opportunity in the early weeks of the season, he took full advantage and delivered the latest in a series of impressive performances in a 2-0 win over Burnley. Boss Pep Guardiola believes Silva is back to his form of the 2018-19 title-winning season and he seems to be ahead of Sterling and Riyad Mahrez in the pecking order.

Sterling suggested last week he may have to leave the club to play regular first-team football. ‘It is tough when you don’t play the minutes that you want to,’ said Silva (right), who opened the scoring against the Clarets. ‘It happened with me, it’s happened with most of the players here. It’s how it works. You have to go and fight for your place. I am happy I am helping the team and happy with the momentum, but it is just the beginning.’

City had won their previous four home games against Burnley 5-0 and another comfortable success seemed likely when Silva struck after 12 minutes.

However, Burnley gave them a few scares and it took a 70th-minute strike from Kevin De Bruyne to wrap up a hard-fought victory that kept City third, two points behind leaders Chelsea.

Silva said: ‘It was a tough game. After the international break games are tough to play. But it is a good win.’

It happens to most of the players – you have to fight for your place