Bernardo Silva says Man City comeback provides some ‘hope’ for Premier League title race

Man City looked set for a damaging defeat at the Hill Dickinson Stadium before a late response from Jeremy Doku pushed the game to a draw.

Pep Guardiola’s side settled for a point against Everton after a 3-3 draw on Monday night. The Toffees were leading by two goals till the 83rd minute.

However, Erling Haaland inspired hope into the Sky Blues by scoring one in the last 10. Doku then scored a curler from just outside the box, and both teams shared the spoils in Liverpool.

Bernardo Silva says Man City comeback gives title race ‘hope’

Bernardo Silva admitted City were frustrated by the result, but believes the late fightback gives them some hope for the title race.

The City captain accepted that the second-half collapse made the situation difficult. Everton took 11 shots with six on target and created four big chances in the second-half.

“[It was] two different halves. First half, where we controlled the game quite well. Second half, where we completely lost control of the game. And we went 3-1 down”, Silva said via Man City’s official website.

He added, “Happily, we still managed to score two, which gives us a bit more hope, but definitely a frustrating night.”

Marc Guehi’s misspass in the 68th minute gave Everton their first goal. Later, a chaotic corner in the 73rd minute allowed Jake O’Brien to head the second.

Then, in the 81st minute, Merlin Rohl slipped through both Guehi and Mateo Kovacic after a quick throw-in. Matheus Nunes forgot about Thierno Barry, thinking the striker was offside, but Abdukodir Khusanov kept him onside, who scored the third.

Bernardo Silva praises Jeremy Doku after Everton draw

Silva also praised Doku after the winger scored twice against Everton. The Belgium international is on a good run with four goals in his last five games.

The 23-year-old opened the scoresheet with a curler off his weak foot. Rayan Cherki assisted Doku by forcing the press right, which allowed space for the winger in the centre.

“He’s been very, very good, and he’s helping us a lot. He improves a lot, works every day and demands a lot from himself, which is very good,” Silva added.

“And he’s getting the fruits from that work, and I’m happy for him, I’m happy he’s here to help. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough today, but enough to get a draw.”

Doku was one of the few positives for City on Monday night. The winger has scored four goals and assisted five times in 17 Premier League starts for Man City.

Dropping points at this stage was costly, but Doku’s directness and individual excellence reduced the damage that Everton could have caused.

Man City must turn late fightback into momentum

Man City now have 71 points with one game in hand. Arsenal, on the other hand, have played 35 and have salvaged 76 points.

The Gunners barely edged Newcastle United on matchday 33. However, the effect of Bukayo Saka’s return was immediate, who assited and scored one each against Fulham.

The pressure is back on City now as they need to catch up with their rivals. Guardiola’s side can’t even afford a draw, as doing so would make them depend on a possible Arsenal draw or loss.

The title is Mikel Arteta’s if they manage to win their last three games. The Gunners’ max ceiling is 85 points, but now Man City have been limited to 83 due to their draw.

Despite that, Arsenal still have to win all their games to win the title. Likewise, both clubs have no margin for error, but Arteta’s men have the advantage now.