Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has been asked who is his toughest opponent in the Premier League - and it's not Arsenal

Bernardo Silva taunts Gabriel during September's incident-packed 2-2 draw between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Bernardo Silva is not the most popular opposition player with Liverpool supporters.

Because, for the second time this season, Silva has appeared to pay the Reds a compliment.

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For so long it was just Liverpool and City battling it out at the top of the Premier League.

And, while there is a strong suggestion they will be doing so again come the closing stages of the current campaign, there is now a third club well and truly in the mix - Arsenal.

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The Gunners have finished second behind Pep Guardiola's team in the past two seasons and, whisper it quietly, they now could even be above the Reds in the enmity stakes when it comes to the defending champions.

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The bad blood was there for all to see during and after last month's dramatic 2-2 draw between the sides at the Etihad.

Following the game, Silva lashed out at Arsenal and their approach to the match, which they led until John Stones equalised in the 98th minute despite playing the whole of the second half with 10 men after Leandro Trossard was sent off.

"There was only one team that came to play football," moaned the Portugal international.

They say a lot but nothing happens."

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And then came the praise for Liverpool.

So yes, maybe a different rivalry."

The Reds currently lead the standings with 18 points, with new head coach Arne Slot winning six of his first seven top-flight games in charge, but City and Arsenal are just a point behind.

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And ahead of the Premier League's return this weekend, Silva was asked who is toughest opponent is domestically.

So Liverpool players are always the toughest I would say."

And asked whether he would prefer to beat the Reds or City's neighbours Manchester United, he said: “As I said, Liverpool were our biggest rivals, I’ve been at Man City for seven years and a few months, and Liverpool were always the toughest, but I like beating Man United as well."

Arsenal could move top of the table by winning at Bournemouth in the late Saturday kick-off (5.30pm).
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