Arsenal were stifled by a brilliant Man City at Wembley today and Bernardo Silva has given some insight into just how City managed it.
The Gunners just never got going and created next to nothing barring a big Kai Havertz chance early on.
In the end, it was very much an anti-climactic performance but according to City star Bernardo, there was an intentional game plan from Pep Guardiola’s side.
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Bernardo Silva shares how he and Rodri helped stop Arsenal
Silva has started playing a little bit deeper for City and affecting the game from the middle of the park a lot more in recent times.
Indeed, alongside Rodri, Silva won the midfield battle. And speaking to Sky after the game, the Portuguese star admitted it was very much part of the plan.
“With the players that we had today on the pitch, our job, mine and Rodri and the back four was to keep as much stability as possible, not make mistakes and then let them bring the game to us,” Silva admitted.
“With the quality and the magic they have, that’s what they did and I think overall we did a very good performance.”
Adding another comment which will be of interest to Arsenal fans, Silva then suggested it was perfect for some of City’s younger players to get their hands on a first trophy and relieve pressure.
“For sure, to get the first trophy, it relieves a bit of pressure and makes you feel well and want to repeat that feeling, so it’s really good for the young players.”
Rodri and Bernardo outshine Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi
Cup finals are games of such fine margins that a few players winning their individual battles can often be the difference.
Today, unfortunately for Arsenal, we got to see just how good both Rodri and Bernardo are for Man City.
They’ve been doing it for years and while Arsenal have had Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi controlling things all year, they never really got a look in at Wembley.
Ultimately, this was a learning experience for this Arsenal team and the midfield in particular.
Pep Guardiola found a way to overcome Arsenal and if he does that again in a few weeks, that Premier League title might not seem as close as it does right now.
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