Bernardo Silva has revealed how Manchester City’s dressing room reacted after fearing they’d handed the title to Liverpool.
The shock defeat to Newcastle last week meant Jurgen Klopp’s side had the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points.
But back-to-back draws with Leicester and West Ham has left the Merseysiders playing catch up after City moved to the top on goal difference with a 2-0 win against Everton on Wednesday.
Liverpool still have a game in hand, but the momentum is with Pep Guardiola’s side.
And Bernardo says there has been a dramatic transformation in terms of the mood among City’s players after what feels like a pivotal week.
“A few days ago, we thought we had lost the Premier League,” said the Portugal playmaker. “Now we are top of the league, even if it because we have played one game more.
“It is good to be back in the race and we will do our best to win all our games and do our job. That is the most important thing for now.
“After Newcastle, it was very tough on us. We were very disappointed, more than anyone else.
“The players, the staff - we were all very sad because we all thought we had lost the league in that game.
“Fortunately, Liverpool drew against Leicester and that gave us a little bit of hope. Then there was another draw against West Ham and that means the race is on. “Mentally, it is a big boost for us. We will try to keep doing our job and don’t relax as we did against Newcastle.”
City face Chelsea on Sunday knowing victory would be a major statement in the title race.
Bernardo added: “We know we are not only playing against one of the best sides in the Premier League, but in the world.
“We played there, we lost. We played them in the Community Shield at the beginning of the season and won.
“At home, with our fans, we will try to do our best to win the game and keep the pressure on.”
