Silva proves why he is still City’s star attraction
A DAZZLING display by Bernardo Silva underlined why it’s so tough for Pep Guardiola’s more glamorous stars Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish to demand a starting place every week.
Sterling was selected yesterday after complaining about a lack of game-time and he huffed and puffed without reward, first as a false nine and then on the left.
But the England international wasn’t the reason City claimed three points and nor was Grealish, who remained on the bench.
Instead, it was the unsung Bernardo who made the difference, scoring the opener after 12 minutes and remaining a constant threat.
He was ably assisted by Rodri, who controlled midfield as if running the game by sat nav and stood up to Burnley’s aerial threat.
‘We are incredibly lucky to have Bernardo. He and Rodri are in incredible form,’ purred Guardiola.
‘His performances levels are extraordinary. He is so intuitive with what he has to do. He never loses the ball and score a goal which is important for him.’
Bernardo got a standing ovation and a hug from his manager when he was taken off in injury time but the little perfectionist was sore he couldn’t provide an assist to a team-mate having scored himself.
‘It is a joy for a manager,’ said Guardiola, aware Sterling might be reading. ‘He is always helping, trying to do his job. He is at his top level.’
A patient build-up down the right led to Bernardo teeing up Foden on the edge of the box and the England international’s strike who pushed into the path of the Portuguese, who converted from three yards.
It was Kevin De Bruyne who grabbed the killer second. His initial shot was charged down but when Riyad Mahrez challenged Ashley Westwood in the box he fired an effort into the top corner.