Club captain insists “all the 50-50 decisions have gone against us”
Bernardo Silva is frustrated that refereeing decisions are constantly against Manchester City and believes that is hurting the club’s title push this season.
City slipped seven points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal after being held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
Silva was particularly critical of a moment in the second half when City were leading 2-1. The midfielder felt his side should have been awarded a penalty after Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels slid into Erling Haaland inside the area. Referee Darren England waved away City’s appeals, with the decision later checked by VAR without recommending a review.
Silva claimed City have repeatedly been on the wrong end of marginal calls this season.
“I just think that all the 50-50 decisions have gone against us,” said City’s captain. “All of them. And it’s quite frustrating because in the end it makes a big difference in the title race.”
The Portugal international questioned how Haaland could realistically avoid the collision with Sels during the incident.
“If Erling is running and the goalkeeper just crashes into him, what can he do?” Silva said. “He’s not going to shoot because the goalkeeper comes at him. So what, he disappears?”
Before the draw against Forest, City had their fate in their hands and would have won the league if they had won all of their games. Now they must hope that Arsenal also drop points.
The weeks ahead could prove decisive for Pep Guardiola’s side. City face a demanding run before the international break that includes an FA Cup trip to Newcastle United, a Champions League tie against Real Madrid, and the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.
Silva warned his teammates that the next month could shape the remainder of their season.
“I would say that in these few weeks we’re not going to win a lot, but we can lose a lot,” Silva said. “So this month can keep us alive. Apart from the Carabao final obviously, the rest of this month can keep us alive to fight for the competitions until the end.
“Or it can put us down and we just go for one or two competitions. Hopefully, we will still be in all four of them in a month’s time.”
