Manchester City stuttered for the first time in their blistering start to the new Premier League season after a 3-3 draw against Newcastle United.
It seemed business as usual for the Sky Blues after Ilkay Gundogan fired home an opener at St. James' Park as early as in the fifth minute.
However, the hosts were anything but bogged down following the setback, as an Allan Saint-Maximin inspired onslaught swung the momentum in their favour.
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Eventually, all their good work was rewarded in the 28th minute, as Miguel Almiron equalised from close quarters, just as things started to look weary for Manchester City.
While it would have been on-brand for Pep Guardiola’s side to reclaim control after conceding the leveller, that was easier said than done as the Magpies took the lead through Calum Wilson soon after.
Things went from bad to worse for the visitors, as Kieran Trippier punished a reckless John Stones foul with an impeccable free-kick to send Newcastle two goals to the good.
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However, Manchester City refused to be beaten, and eventually reduced the deficit after Erling Haaland smashed in a volley in typically clinical fashion.
Just four minutes after his strike, Bernardo Silva did justice to a stupendous Kevin De Bruyne through ball by slotting home past Nick Pope.
As a famous victory for the Sky Blues seemed on the cards, it looked inevitable after Kieran Trippier was sent off for a poor challenge on the City vice-captain.
However, the decision was eventually overturned, as Eddie Howe’s somehow held on to a draw at St. James’ Park.
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Bernardo Silva, who starred in the contest with a goal and an assist reviewed the clash.
“It was a very intense game," he said.
“We started very well. The first 15 minutes were ours. My perception on the pitch was that we started attacking too quick. When we start playing like this and it's too quick it's better for the opponents."
He continued, "The last 25 or 30 minutes of the first half were very tough. They could have scored more than twice in that time.
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"Overall, we played quite well but not controlling their counter-attacks and runners. You'll suffer and that's what happened today," he explained.
Bernardo Silva added, “We knew how tough it is to come here. The atmosphere is great. It's a very physical team. They've been great over the last few months. They're in a great state of mind with very positive energy.
"We should have controlled the game better than we did today. We scored the third goal in the 64th minute. It was very early. I'm a bit disappointed we didn't score the fourth. But still a good reaction from the team.
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"Not a perfect game, but we take the point. It is what it is. Seven points from three games isn't bad.”
Ultimately, the Portuguese attacker’s takeaway of how a flawed Manchester City performance still led to a valiant comeback and one point gained also remains the general consensus amongst the club’s fanbase.
Topics: Bernardo Silva, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Newcastle United
Srinivas Sadhanand