- Haaland sends message to Silva after performance
- Bernardo returns praise for striker’s display
- Mutual respect highlighted after tough contest
Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva shared a moment of mutual appreciation following Manchester City’s hard-fought win over Arsenal at the Etihad.
In the demanding clash against the Gunners, both Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva were the obvious heroes on the pitch.
While Haaland might’ve missed some chances, he did net a goal that counted the most. Silva, on the other hand, made sure that the striker’s lead stood by clearing the ball off Kai Havertz later in the second half.
This was the midfielder’s last fourth game at the Etihad. Silva recently confirmed his departure, and unsurprisingly, Haaland was one of the first to react.
After sharing the pitch again, the duo hailed the other’s contributions and pointed out the positives despite a rather decent display.
Haaland praises Bernardo Silva
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Haaland playfully referred to his teammate as a legendary defender due to his clearance against Havertz.
Silva did not control the tempo of the game like always, but the captain did give his best when it came to defending the post.
"Erling was was amazing today!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2026
Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland react to their huge victory over Arsenal and where that leaves them in the title race 🤝 pic.twitter.com/jlTiiIkkPs
“Bernardo ‘Cannavaro’ Silva, congrats! Well deserved, you were amazing”, Haaland exclaimed.
Silva shifts the spotlight back
However, this time around, Silva wasn’t having it one way. Haaland was in a similar situation to the midfielder, and the latter didn’t fail to recognise that.
Haaland might’ve only scored one goal, but he didn’t settle when it came to pressing. The striker won 75% (3/4) of aerial duels against Arsenal.
“Can I say something? Erling Haaland was fantastic today, fighting for every ball. It’s not easy with two centre-backs that strong, and he was unbelievable. Thank you so much, Big Erl. Apart from the goal, that he always scores, today he fought like an animal”, Silva told Sky Sports.
Silva played a more defensive role today
It was Rodri who controlled the tempo against Arsenal, but Silva didn’t fail to impress despite a drop in attacking output.
The Portuguese international made eight defensive contributions today, committing three tackles in the process.
He was the biggest tackler for City on the pitch. Silva also made four recoveries, the highest of any Sky Blues midfielder.
