Bernardo Silva Critiques Arsenal's Tactics After 2-2 Draw

Bernardo Silva Speaks Out: Arsenal's Tactics Under Fire

In a recent post-match interview, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva unleashed criticism aimed towards Arsenal, focusing on the lack of trophies won by the Gunners. This came after an intense 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium, where Arsenal was reduced to 10 players during first-half stoppage time.

Match Highlights and Tactics

During the game, Arsenal's strategy involved slowing down the pace, often resulting in apparent cramps and injuries. This led to an astounding nine minutes of additional time during the second half. John Stones managed to equalize with a goal in the 98th minute, salvaging a point for City.

Silva's Take on Rivalry

When discussing Manchester City's rivalry with Arsenal compared to Liverpool, Silva didn't hold back. He pointed out that while Liverpool has a prestigious list of achievements, including a Premier League title and a Champions League trophy, Arsenal has yet to capture such honors.

"The difference? Maybe that Liverpool have already won the Premier League, Arsenal haven't. That Liverpool have won the Champions League, Arsenal haven't. Liverpool always faced us face to face to try to win the games."

A One-Sided Game

The statistical analysis from the match revealed a striking disparity: Manchester City launched 28 shots, while Arsenal managed just one. Silva remarked, "There was only one team that came to play football." This comment highlighted his frustration with Arsenal's playing style and time-wasting tactics.

Referee's Role in the Match

Further fuelling the controversy, Silva criticized referee Michael Oliver for allegedly enabling Arsenal's tactics. From the very start, Silva noted incidents that set the tone for the match:

• Early injury to Rodri due to a foul by Kai Havertz.
• Questionable officiating leading up to Arsenal's second goal.
• Referee's allowance for excessive time-wasting by Arsenal players.

A Call for Accountability

Silva expressed discontent regarding the lack of enforcement of rules around time-wasting in games. He articulated frustrations stemming from preseason meetings with the FA, where commitments to control such situations were often made but not upheld.

"They say a lot but nothing happens."

Conclusion

Bernardo Silva’s candid remarks shed light on the growing tension between Manchester City and Arsenal, illustrating a clash not just of skill on the pitch, but of tactics and sportsmanship. As teams prepare for future encounters, it remains to be seen how these rivalries will continue to evolve and what implications they may have for the season ahead.