Silva on defensive after City run riot
MARCO SILVA refused to accept Fulham failed to show the necessary courage to trouble Manchester City.
The hosts were ripped apart at Craven Cottage as Pep Guardiola’s men turned up the title heat on Arsenal by moving top – for 24 hours at least.
Mikel Arteta’s men can take over at the summit again if they win at City’s bitter rivals Manchester United this afternoon.
But asked if his side, now without a win in four, were too timid and fearful against the champions, Fulham boss Silva dismissed that as rubbish.
The Portuguese coach said: “I can’t say we didn’t try to be brave – in the first 15 minutes we showed that.
“But this City team has the capacity to take away the energy from you with their possession and passing.
“We kept losing the ball and when that happens it creates even more pressure.
“It wasn’t down to a lack of bravery, though. Not at all.
“We kept them quiet early on but just could not create any chances for ourselves. We needed to create more.
“At half-time we tried to change it up with fresh players and we wanted to be more offensive. But it just didn’t happen.”
Fulham beat Arsenal here earlier in the season. But Silva declined to give his verdict on who, between the Gunners and City, deserves to lift the trophy this time next week.
“I don’t want to be unfair at this stage if the season,” said the Cottagers chief. “It is so tight between the teams.
“City are not just the best side in this country, they are one of the very best in the world.
“And Arsenal are not far behind. They have been even better than last season.
“This league is so complicated that just one or two results can change the scenario.
“The fact is City are winners three times in a row, and that speaks for them. I don’t have to say anything more.”