Manchester City suffered a shocking defeat away at Crystal Palace in the gameweek ten of the English Premier League. This created a five points gap between City and 2021-22 season leaders, Chelsea. The defending champions have been the most in-form team in the league since then. Pep’s men have won their last four games and reduced the gap to one point. One of the biggest reasons behind this run is the form of their Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva.
Bernardo Silva is the top goal-scorer for Manchester City in the English Premier League 2021-22 season. The 27-year-old midfielder has scored five goals, and three goals came in the last four matches. He scored a goal each against Manchester United, Everton and Aston Villa. Silva has received a lot of praise from fans, managers, teammates and others for his efforts on the pitch.
The above viz is the shot map of Bernardo Silva in the last four matches. He attempted six shots and only missed the target once. All the shots were attempted from inside the opposition’s penalty box, and the combined xG rate in all four matches was 1.11. Silva attempted two shots each against Manchester United and Everton. In the matches against West Ham United and Aston Villa, he attempted one shot each.
Bernardo Silva has taken 17 touches inside the opposition’s penalty box. The above viz shows the pass receiving location of the midfielder. Bernardo has featured all over the pitch, but his main position has been towards the right side. The Portuguese has played in the central midfield role, and has also featured as a false-nine striker. He has taken much wider positions towards the right side. The 27-year-old has received seven passes inside the opposition’s 18-yard box.
Bernardo Silva has made no goal contributions with passes in the current run, but his passing has been effective. The Portuguese international has attempted 245 passes with an average of more than 60 passes per match. His 18 passes landed inside the opposition’s 18-yard box. Out of these 18 passes, three passes landed inside the opposition’s 6-yard box. The expected assist rate in these four matches was 0.51. The player attempted 12 crosses but was unable to provide a smart pass and a through pass in any of the matches.
The player attempted 13 dribbles and five were against Aston Villa in the previous game. He also did some defensive work along with the goal contributions. Bernardo Silva made 16 recoveries, and ten recoveries were made inside the opposition’s half. The player also made seven interceptions in four games.
Bernardo Silva helped his side to close the gap on league leaders Chelsea. He was influential in a Manchester City side who are short on players. A lot of injuries, especially in the midfield and attack, left Pep Guardiola with very few options. Bernardo stepped up to the task, and his form can play a crucial role in Manchester City’s Premier League title defense.
