Manchester City star Bernardo Silva believes that his team would have secured the Premier League title if they were not in a "transitional phase," expressing frustration over the season's outcome. Pep Guardiola's side currently trail Arsenal by two points with only two matches remaining, requiring a favour from other teams to surpass the Gunners at the final hurdle.
City have mounted a late charge following the turn of the year, aided by shrewd transfer business. After missing out on the title last term, they invested in the summer to reshape the squad and added Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi in January, along with Rayan Cherki, who have been instrumental in their push for the summit.
There is no denying that Guardiola's side have not reached the heights of previous years, dropping points in unexpected games. This has allowed Arsenal to stay ahead, and Silva believes City's situation has handed the Gunners their opportunity. Speaking to The Athletic, he said: "I also believe, and I know this is very subjective, that if we were not in a transitional season and if we didn't make so many mistakes, we would have won this league. I don't say we would have won easily, but we would have won this league - so it's quite frustrating."
Arsenal have finished second for the last three years, two of those to City. They are well placed to end a league title drought dating back to 2004, with games against Burnley and Crystal Palace remaining. City face Bournemouth and Crystal Palace. Silva, who will leave City this summer after winning six league titles, acknowledged that Liverpool were their greatest rivals but that Arsenal were always likely to "man up" and pose a serious threat after years of development.
The Gunners' tactics have drawn criticism, particularly their set-piece prowess, which has been a major factor in their campaign. They benefited from a VAR decision against West Ham last weekend, keeping control of their destiny. Silva conceded the foul on David Raya was correct but took a swipe at Arsenal's approach: "You look at what has been happening with set pieces in the last two seasons and it's a bit of a shame to see teams taking one minute over throw-ins, free kicks, goal kicks, corners. I wouldn't say that's the way the game should be going."
