Rivalry Debate Intensifies
The debate over who truly stands as City’s biggest rivals in English football has intensified after Arsenal’s rise under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners have run Guardiola’s team close in successive Premier League campaigns, pushing the title race to the wire.
Manchester United, meanwhile, continue to provide the drama of a fierce local rivalry despite their struggles with inconsistency. But for Bernardo Silva, the real battle lies elsewhere.
Liverpool Named as True Rivals
Speaking following City’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, Silva was clear about who he views as their toughest opponent.
“Manchester United have been going through a quite difficult phase through the last years. It’s a rivalry because we’re in the same city,” Silva said.
“I’d say our biggest rival by far is Liverpool, because those are the guys that always competed with us for titles, and managed to also win titles. Then you definitely see a team like Arsenal over the years getting better and better, being able to start fighting for titles, even though they haven’t still reached that level of achieving it.”
City vs Liverpool: Defining the Modern Era
Manchester City’s duels with Liverpool have defined the modern Premier League era. From the 2018/19 title race, where City edged the Merseyside club by just one point, to multiple high-stakes clashes in domestic and European competitions, the two sides have consistently raised the bar.
Silva’s remarks reaffirm that, in City’s dressing room, Liverpool remain the benchmark for rivalry — despite Arsenal’s growing presence at the summit of English football.
Arsenal Still Building
While Silva acknowledged Arsenal’s improvement, he was firm that the north London side still have a step to take before they can be considered on par with Liverpool in terms of rivalry and title-winning pedigree.
Looking Ahead
With City still aiming to find their best form after a mixed start to the season, the coming months could once again see decisive clashes with both Liverpool and Arsenal shape the Premier League title race. The question now is whether Arsenal can elevate themselves to the level Bernardo Silva believes only Liverpool currently occupy.
FAQs
- Who does Bernardo Silva consider City’s biggest rivals?
Liverpool, citing their consistent battles for Premier League titles.
- Why not Arsenal?
Silva admitted Arsenal are improving under Mikel Arteta but insisted they have not yet reached Liverpool’s level of title-winning rivalry.
- What about Manchester United?
Silva acknowledged the local rivalry with United but stressed their struggles in recent years have lessened their competitive threat at the top.
- When did City and Liverpool’s rivalry peak?
The 2018/19 season, when City beat Liverpool to the Premier League title by a single point, is seen as the defining chapter so far.
Conclusion
Bernardo Silva’s comments reignite the debate over Manchester City’s biggest rivals. While Arsenal’s rise continues under Mikel Arteta, the Portuguese midfielder’s stance makes clear that, in City’s eyes, Liverpool remain the benchmark. With the Premier League title race heating up, upcoming fixtures against both Arsenal and Liverpool could prove pivotal in defining the narrative once more.
