Bernardo admits Man City players didn't expect Arsenal to slip

Manchester City attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva has admitted that Arsenal gave them a lifeline in the Premier League title race.

City went on to win the title by two points at the end of the season, despite trailing for much of the campaign.

Silva admitted that when Arsenal lost 2-0 to Aston Villa, they left the door ajar for City to walk through.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Silva said: "Very proud of this big achievement, four in a row, never done before.

"A lot of hard work has been put on over this seven years, it's so difficult, we had to win nine games in a row because Arsenal pushed us to the limits and to the end. We're very proud of what we've achieved."

The 29-year-old added: "The reality is after Arsenal at home, we were in a very tough position to win the Premier League because Liverpool needed to drop points on two games, Arsenal on two games as well because they had the goal difference on us and we just had to wait, they gave us that chance and when they did, we knew we had to grab it. We wouldn't have a second chance and we did.

"These type of situations are a boost to the confidence and to the energy you have in the dressing room, you feel you have an opportunity again. We knew both Arsenal, Liverpool and us we all had tough games but we weren't expecting them to lose to Palace at home, and Arsenal to lose at Aston Villa. If I had to guess where they would drop points, it wouldn't have been that week. It was a big surprise, we're not going to lie, a bit of confidence to think we can go after them and grab it."