Several months ago, it was speculated that the Citizens were ready to go the distance to bring Harry Kane to Etihad Stadium. One of the means to reach the agreement with Tottenham, they believed, was to include Bernardo Silva and money in the swap with the Spurs.The deal did not happen and City kept the quickfooted versatile offensive playmaker. And the way things are developing lately for City – you could say the Sky Blues are now reaping the rewards of keeping him in Manchester.If rumours of Silva being a part of a swap deal were true – then he has certainly reached a turnaround at Etihad. From being at the exit door to being considered the best player in the league by his manager.Silva scored a beautiful volley for City’s second in a win against Aston Villa away and it turned out to be the decisive goal as they kept well in the title race alongside Chelsea and Liverpool.Who will dread the start of 2022? A heated section of the race awaits the leading trioPep spared no praises over the Portugal international in his post-match remarks.’He is the best, and he was the best three seasons ago when we won the title with 98 points.’ Guardiola said.‘He has a special ability to do what he wants with the ball.‘If you watch him two or three seasons ago, you will see the same player you are seeing now. ‘The goal was really good, both the pass and the finish. He is a player on another level, in all senses.’Guardiola himself had an additional motive to celebrate – he reached the 150 mark in 204 games, comfortably beating the record set by Sir Alex Ferguson, who needed 247 matches to break that barrier.Sat, 20.30: (16.0) WATFORD (7.75) MAN CITY (1.20)Also, the fact that the Citizens are firmly in the race to defend their last year’s title without Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Kyle Walker and John Stones on a regular basis instils confidence,‘The 150 is a good milestone. We’ve done a lot in a short time and we will fight to take good decisions to try to win more.’ Guardiola added:‘Liverpool are a goalscoring machine and Chelsea are consistent but we are there, one point behind, not far away. We are performing at a high level.’City are second in the Premier League with 32 points, one ahead of Liverpool and one behind leaders Chelsea.Saturday away at Vicarage Road against Watford is where Guardiola & Co continue their chase after the league’s summit.
