Bernardo Silva Admits Man City Losing Grip on Title Race After Derby Defeat to Man United
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has conceded that his side may be losing control of the Premier League title race following their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s men went into the derby knowing they had a chance to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal, who were not in action until later in the evening against Nottingham Forest. Instead, City produced a subdued display and were punished by a rejuvenated United side in what turned out to be interim manager Michael Carrick’s first game in charge.
United were the sharper team from the opening whistle and could have gone into halftime in front. Two of their goals were ruled out by VAR for marginal offside calls, while Harry Maguire also came close, hitting the crossbar from close range. City, unusually, struggled to impose their control on the game.
The breakthrough finally arrived midway through the second half when Bryan Mbeumo finished off a swift counter-attack to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma. Patrick Dorgu then sealed the win with 14 minutes remaining, capitalising on City’s uncharacteristically loose defending. The scoreline could have been heavier if Mason Mount had converted a late chance.
Speaking after the game, Silva admitted that the defeat had serious implications for City’s title hopes.
“It’s a big gap, and we won’t lie, it’s not an easy gap at all,” he said. “But we will keep fighting till the end.”
The Portuguese midfielder also pointed to City’s lack of intensity on the day, noting that United wanted the win more.
“They had more energy and intention. It always felt like they were almost ready to score, but we were never in the right place. We gave them what they want. They played the game in areas where they are strong and we are weak,” Silva added.
City have now gone four Premier League games without a win, a run that has raised questions about their consistency this season. Silva admitted it was far from the controlled performances City have been known for since his arrival in England, calling it “definitely a really bad day.”
Guardiola, meanwhile, played down talk of the title race slipping away, insisting the focus should be on development rather than panic.
“It’s about how we grow as a team,” the City boss said. “To improve yourself, you might need to take a step back.”
Opinion: A Rare Wobble or the Start of a Shift?
For a team that has dominated English football in recent years, City’s current struggles feel unfamiliar. The derby defeat exposed cracks rarely seen under Guardiola—lack of control, low intensity, and defensive vulnerability. While Silva’s honesty reflects the mood in the camp, City’s pedigree means they cannot be ruled out just yet.
However, with Arsenal showing consistency and hunger, City’s margin for error is rapidly shrinking. If this run continues, the champions may find themselves chasing rather than dictating the title race. Whether this defeat becomes a turning point or a warning unheeded will define City’s season in the weeks ahead.
