Spaniard to draw on previous title chases to rein in Jose Mourinho's 'great' side
Sunday 18 January 2015 20:58, UK
David Silva insists Manchester City are not out of the title race, despite Chelsea’s imperious form.
With the talismanic Sergio Aguero out injured, the Spaniard has really stepped up to the plate, proving to be an influential figure for the champions as they embarked on a 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Having drawn level on points with their main title rivals at the turn of the year, City now find themselves five points adrift of Chelsea following the Blues' stunning 5-0 win at Swansea.
But, speaking ahead of City’s Super Sunday clash with Arsenal, Silva believes the nature of England’s top-flight means Chelsea can be caught in a similar fashion to which Manchester United and Liverpool were reined in by City in 2011-12 and 2013-14.
“We are right on Chelsea’s heels but we know that we can’t slip up many more times as they are a great side,” he told Sky Sports.
“In my experience from my time here at the club, the two titles we won, we were trailing United by eight points I think and we won the league. Last year too, we were behind Liverpool and we won it in the end.
“I think this league is entirely different to any other and you’re always in with a chance until the very end.”
Silva has made the most Premier League assists since 2010 with 41, and goals have also been added to his game this term. The midfielder has converted six of his 11 shots on target for City this campaign, four of which came during the festive period where Chelsea’s eight-point advantage at the top was erased.
And while welcoming the addition of goals to his game, Silva insists the creation of opportunities for his team-mates would, ultimately, remain the focal point of his style of play.
“You can always be better and you can always improve, and that’s what we work at every day,” he added.
“I wish it could have been 11 goals out of 11 (shots). I am always trying to be better in every aspect of my game. One area I always wish to improve is my goal scoring. My particular strength has been to provide assists and to get the team playing, but whenever you get the chance to chip in with goals is also very good.
“My style has always been about getting the team playing, making assists and creating opportunities. It’s also really nice to score goals too, although I have really enjoyed creating chances.
“From when I first came here I was given the freedom to play my own game with a free role in attack. I still had some defensive duties but I always had the licence to roam forward in attacking situations that is very important to me.”
Watch Manchester City v Arsenal live on Super Sunday. Coverage from the Etihad Stadium starts at 3:30pm, Sky Sports 1HD.
