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Silva worth his weight in gold, purrs Pep

TOM COLLOMOSSE

PEP GUARDIOLA hailed Bernardo Silva as the best player in the country after his stunning goal gave the Manchester City boss his 150th Premier League victory. In front of the watching Duke of Cambridge, an Aston Villa fan, Bernardo’s remarkable volley in the closing stages of the first half put City 2-0 up at Villa, after Ruben Dias’ opener. Ollie Watkins replied for Villa soon after the interval but City were largely in control and remain only point behind leaders Chelsea. Bernardo was linked with a move away from City during the summer but has been in sublime form this term and produced another outstanding display at Villa Park. ‘He is the best, and he was the best three seasons ago when we won the title with 98 points,’ said Guardiola. ‘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 has reached the 150 mark in 204 games, comfortably beating the record set by Sir Alex Ferguson, who needed 247 matches to break that barrier. Despite several injuries — Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Kyle Walker and John Stones were among those absent here — City ensured they kept pace with Liverpool and Chelsea. Guardiola added: ‘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. ‘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.’ This was Steven Gerrard’s first defeat as Villa boss after taking wins from his opening two matches but the former England captain was thrilled by Watkins’ performance. He said: ‘I don’t think there is a limit for Ollie. He’s got the lot — pace, power, aggression. He has really stepped forward since I have been here. He will enjoy the style we play so there isn’t a ceiling for him.’

PREMIER LEAGUE

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2021-12-02T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-12-02T08:00:00.0000000Z

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