Manchester City 2-1 win over Liverpool last night at the Etihad was a game for the ages.

Arguably one of the best Premier League matches in years, the titanic clash had close to everything you’d want in a top-of-the-table scrap.

The intensity of the pressing from both sides was ferocious; everything was left out on the pitch. And key to City’s win – and their performance – was their diminutive midfielder, Bernardo Silva.

Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane scored the City goals, and Fernandinho put in a powerhouse display at the base of the midfield. But it was Portuguese ace Silva who gave a lung-bursting display of selfless running.

In fact, the 24-year-old – tracked by STATSports’ Apex device – covered 13.7km (8.5m) over the course of the match. And that distance tops the most ran by any player in the Premier League this season.

The most distance ran by a player in the @premierleague this season:

13.7km@BernardoCSilva v Liverpool
3/1/19

13.65km@BernardoCSilva v Spurs
29/10/18#mancity pic.twitter.com/0Hwl4XITk2

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 3, 2019

It was a statistic that epitomised City’s performance. Silva – more known for his silky play-making ability – practically covered every single blade of grass at Eastlands as Pep Guardiola’s side hauled themselves back into title contention.

It was also a statistic that highlighted the importance of sport science and the ability to measure beyond what your eyes are telling you. Sane and Aguero’ goals, allied to Fernandinho’s man-of-the-match masterclass, were the key talking points. But Silva’s one-third marathon set the tone.

His pressing of Liverpool centre-half Virgil van Dijk meant the Reds could barely breath at the back and it handed City control in vital areas.

And Guardiola was keen to single him out for attention in his post-match press conference quotes. “He did everything. He won all the duels,” said City’s head coach.

“He is the smallest one. He shows again that to play football, you have to be good. Of course, I would prefer to have a taller team or more physicality, but Bernardo is incredible.”

City’s next fixture is the FA Cup clash with Rotherham United at home on Sunday. And, after his exploits on Thursday evening, it would be no surprise to see Silva given a rest in a bid to avoid any unnecessary muscular injury due to fatigue.

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