Pep Guardiola's on-pitch gesture after Man City beat Arsenal before 'I will cry' confession

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Pep Guardiola ensured Bernardo Silva received the recognition he deserved following Manchester City's victory against Arsenal on Sunday. City secured a 2-1 triumph over the Gunners in the Premier League title clash at the Etihad Stadium, putting their fate firmly in their own hands.

City now sit just three points adrift of Arsenal in the Premier League table, though they hold a game in hand which will see them take on Crystal Palace later in the campaign.

Silva was one of the most impressive performers for City in the victory, with strikes from Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland proving the decisive difference for Guardiola's side.

Following the final whistle, Guardiola wasted no time heading onto the pitch to show his gratitude to his players, particularly to Silva.

Guardiola was seen urging the home supporters at the Etihad to show their appreciation for Silva, before the City boss wrapped his arms around the club captain in a hug.

Silva confirmed earlier this month that he will be departing City at the end of the season, drawing the curtain on his nine-year stint at the Etihad since his arrival from Monaco in 2017.

The 31-year-old has collected six Premier League titles during his time at the club and will be determined on adding yet another to his impressive haul before the end of the season.

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Guardiola was quizzed about Silva's significance to the club following Sunday's victory against Arsenal, with the City manager delivering a heartfelt response.

"If you continue to talk about him, I will cry, so be careful,” Guardiola told Sky Sports . “It will be so emotional the moment when he is going to leave. Bernardo is Bernardo. You cannot define him.

"I feel, sometimes, he has not been seen as a public figure. The stature, he is not fast, he is not strong... but football starts from here [points to his head] and finishes with the feet.

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"I feel gratitude for what this guy has done for many, many years."

City have five fixtures left in their quest to secure the Premier League title, beginning with an away trip to Burnley that would see them leapfrog Arsenal to reach the top of the table with a win.

They will also face Everton , Brentford, Bournemouth , Crystal Palace and Aston Villa , alongside an FA Cup semi-final clash with Southampton next weekend.

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