Bernardo Silva says his goal that broke Aston Villa's stubborn resilience and sent Manchester City top of the Premier League felt more important than usual.
Manchester City had plenty of chances, but somehow could not convert and were heading for a nervy finish on a night that would end with them being top of the Premier League if they were to record three points.
Bernardo's lovely curled finish on 79 minutes eventually broke the deadlock before Ilkay Gundogan's 90th minute penalty secured the three points, and the Portuguese attacker explained why the nature of the hard-fought victory felt different to other recent wins.
He told BT Sport: "It was a very important win, a tough game for us. Just three more points and on to the next one.
"It felt like an important win because we got to 75th minute without scoring, so to get those two goals, we're very happy."
The goal was Bernardo's first at the Etihad in the Premier League since September 2019, and he referenced his 20-game goal drought and the fact that City went up to first until United played later in the evening.
He said: "Its been a long time since I have scored. I'm happy to score. It doesn't matter who scores the goals but I'm happy to score today. Most important we are leaders for now. There is still a long way to go but still, very happy.
"We're doing very well, very solid at the back. We are happy with the last two games and our momentum."
Bernardo's goal has attracted plenty of controversy after it was allowed to stand. Rodri had come from a clearly offside position to dispossess Tyrone Mings and feed Bernardo to score.
On the decision, Bernardo said: "I haven't checked it yet. Our player was offside but when their defender touched it, he stops being offside, I think. But I haven't checked it."
