Manchester City are always tasked with overcoming great odds to win every title imaginable. The same titles that other clubs treat as objective-based dreams are now the normality and expectation for the Citizens. However, that does not mean that Manchester City do not have their own burdens to overcome.
Their latest shot at a title was the game against Manchester United for the Community Shield. While it may not necessarily be the most important title that Pep Guardiola’s side will compete for this season, it is still a trophy and one that would be won by beating their local rivals.
Ultimately, Man City emerged victorious on penalties with a 7-6 scoreline during the shootout. However, perhaps none of this would have been possible had it not been for 30-year-old Manchester City star Bernardo Silva, who scored a late 89th-minute goal to eliminate Manchester United’s one-goal lead.
As highlighted by Manchester City’s official website, one of the people who has since commented about Silva’s influence in the game is none other than former club captain Andy Morrison, who had the following to say:
“He may be only 5ft 6in tall, but I love every inch of him… It’s not just the football, it’s the personality of the players that creates champions and we have them throughout our team and Bernardo sums that up.”
Beyond just the goal and the footballing quality, former Manchester City captain Morrison highlights another key factor that the Portuguese star brings to the field as well:
“He’s come onto the pitch and the first thing he does is rile up the players as he is shouting and screaming at them. Bernardo then goes and rattles Garnacho as if to say: ‘I’m not here for your show. I’m here to win.’ Of course, he then goes and scores the late equalizer. The personality is what produces champions… not just the football.”
With Bernardo Silva on the team, it is hardly a surprise that Manchester City are as good as they are. It took the Portuguese star just ten minutes on the pitch to turn the tide of the game from a losing battle into a fair one. Despite the many suitors that have come for him in the past, Silva remains a City player and for very obvious reasons.
