Considering the 2024/2025 season is still relatively recent, it is difficult to well and truly judge any player’s campaign.
Especially after a summer where several players at Manchester City competed at Euro 2024, it is natural that they might still feel rather fatigued.
However, Pep Guardiola will be demanding his players to step up their game after their latest 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.
For much of the contest, the visitors were quite flat at St. James’ Park.
Much of City’s problems regarding their creativity affected them against Newcastle.
Eddie Howe’s side were coming into the contest off the back of their 3-1 defeat against Fulham.
- READ MORE: Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says £378k-a-week Man City man has actually taken football to a new level
Janusz Michallik slates Man City star after Newcastle draw
With Alexander Isak also sidelined through injury, it seemed like a loss was written in the stars for the Magpies.
However, Manchester City failed to capitalise in their latest showing.
Instead, City huffed and puffed on their way to a draw, which was the deserved result.
The Sky Blues had 63% possession but they registered six shots on target in comparison to the hosts’ tally of four while taking 16 in total while the opposition recorded 11.
After Anthony Gordon’s goal from 12 yards out, it seemed like Eddie Howe’s side had the momentum on their side as well with them attacking City and St. James’ Park rocking.
However, at the end of the game, both teams shared the spoils.
Janusz Michallik noted how Bernardo Silva had a quiet outing for Manchester City against Newcastle and pointed out how he has had quite a poor season so far.
- READ MORE: Who is Bernardo Silva? Try to keep up with Man City’s £43m all-action hero who just never stops
The pundit said via ESPN UK: “The set-up was what it was, [Jack] Grealish is capable, Bernardo Silva hasn’t had the best season for me. It seems like for me, most of the time this season, he’s been missing.”
The £43 million man played the entirety of the clash.
Bernardo Silva is yet to explode into life for Man City this season
The Portuguese international is yet to explode into life for Manchester City this season.
But in fairness, the 30-year-old has also been tasked to play in a wide array of positions.
Against Newcastle, Bernardo played on the right-wing but against Arsenal, he was not only deployed out wide but as a central midfielder as well.
Previously, against the likes of Chelsea, Ipswich Town and West Ham United, the former AS Monaco technician was tasked to play behind Erling Haaland.
Bernardo’s versatility is one of his biggest strengths but he is not as effective in advanced areas than when he is deployed in a deeper midfield position to help control the game.
The six-time Premier League winner looked far more comfortable when instructed to play as a number again eventually against Newcastle as well.
Potentially, a run of games in central midfield could help get the best out of Bernardo once again.
