Bernardo Silva claims Liverpool are "competitive again" after Man City draw

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has claimed Liverpool are "back being very competitive again" after the Reds' 1-1 draw with the champions at the weekend.

Liverpool, who lost both their trips to Man City last season, earned a very respectable point at the Etihad on Saturday lunchtime in their first game back after the international break.

Erling Haaland had given City the lead in the first half after some passive Liverpool defending, but the Reds responded brightly in the second half and Trent Alexander-Arnold's 80th-minute strike levelled proceedings.

It wasn't the blockbuster goal-fest that many had been expecting, both sides looking tired after the international period, but it remained a game high on quality.

Despite Man City dominating the ball, Liverpool were well worth their point at the Etihad as they grew into the game.

Given Liverpool's last visit to Man City saw them lose 4-1, it's a marked improvement from Jurgen Klopp's side. That was acknowledged by Silva after the game, who has suggested that the Reds are getting back to their best this season.

Speaking after the draw (via 90min), Silva stated: "I think we should have won. But when you play a team like Liverpool, this season they are back being very competitive again.

"We expected it after a tough [2022/23] season for them. We knew their energy was going to be back so it’s going to be tough, not just with them but Arsenal, Spurs. But we are also ready to fight.

"We enjoy it more when we win but it’s nice for the Premier League and fans when it's this tight and there is emotion.

"We now have four teams who are very close to each other. We are going to try our best to get a little bit of distance. Last season wasn't nice to be so far behind Arsenal. We want to stay close to the top so when it gets to February, March we are in the discussion again to win the Premier League."

Liverpool did drop down to third at the weekend after Arsenal managed a 1-0 victory against Brentford to go top, while Aston Villa also moved level on points with the Reds following their impressive victory against Tottenham.

Klopp will certainly be happy with Liverpool's start to the season, but the Reds will need to be incredibly consistent to keep pace with Man City at the top of the table come the end of the campaign.