Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola left fans puzzled after substituting Bernardo Silva just 18 minutes after bringing him on during their 2-2 Premier League draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Portuguese playmaker was introduced before the hour mark but was unexpectedly replaced by Phil Foden despite showing no visible signs of injury. When asked about the decision post-match, Guardiola’s response was ambiguous.
“I don’t know, I didn’t speak to the doctors,” he told Match of the Day. “Bernardo is so strong.”
City, aiming to break into the top four, initially led twice through an Erling Haaland penalty and an Omar Marmoush strike, but Brighton equalized both times via Pervis Estupiñán and an own goal from Abdukodir Khusanov.
Reflecting on the result, Guardiola said: “It was a good game. A tight game – I know how difficult it is in this process we’re in now. The players gave everything – we take the point and keep going.”
Meanwhile, Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler expressed frustration over his side’s failure to secure all three points. “We gave away goals in a very cheap way and we have to improve,” he said. “We had big opportunities to win and showed our identity, but I’m not happy with the result.”
The draw at the Etihad ensures Chelsea will remain in fourth place regardless of their upcoming clash with Arsenal, while Nottingham Forest stays in third after a 4-2 win at Ipswich.