Bernardo Silva has voiced his frustration after Manchester City’s 2–2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League, criticising what he described as an “unfair” scheduling disadvantage. The Portuguese midfielder argued that City were left at a serious disadvantage after having just two and a half days of rest compared to Arsenal’s five, insisting that such disparities should not be allowed in high-stakes matches.
“It’s not fair to play one of these games like this,” Silva said in a post-match interview. “It’s just not right. They had five days of rest, we had two and a half. In one of the most important games, this can’t happen.”
The fixture, billed as one of the key clashes in the title race, saw City battle hard against a well-rested Arsenal side. Both teams created chances in an intense, end-to-end contest, but Silva’s comments after the final whistle highlighted the growing debate about fixture congestion and player welfare.
Manchester City’s packed calendar has seen them balancing domestic commitments with European competition, while also factoring in international breaks. Pep Guardiola has frequently called for greater consideration of player workloads, echoing the concerns voiced by Silva. The midfielder’s remarks add further weight to a long-running conversation about the physical and mental strain on elite footballers.
Arsenal, meanwhile, benefitted from a longer recovery window after their previous fixture, and Silva believes this uneven preparation time directly influenced the outcome. “In games of this importance, small details make a big difference,” he said. “Rest and recovery are crucial, and when one team is fresher, it shows.”
The Premier League has often been criticised for its relentless schedule, particularly during periods of congested fixtures. Calls for reform have grown louder as clubs competing on multiple fronts argue that the current system risks undermining the quality of matches while increasing the risk of injury.
City remain firmly in the hunt for the title, but Silva’s outburst underscores the frustrations within the squad. As the season builds toward its decisive months, questions about fairness and fixture planning will remain at the centre of the conversation.
Africa Digital News, New York
