Man City boss Guardiola claims Bernardo Silva is best player in Premier League after stunning volley against Aston Villa

MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola claimed Bernardo Silva is the best player in the Premier League after his stunning goal against Aston Villa.

The Portuguese maestro put his side 2-0 up at Villa Park with a sumptuous volley on the stroke of half-time.

AFPBernardo Silva brilliantly controlled a first-half volley[/caption]

GettyThe Portuguese celebrates his exceptional strike[/caption]

Reigning Prem champions City went on to win 2-1, keeping pace with title rivals Chelsea and Liverpool at the top of the table.

And Guardiola had exceptional praise for Silva at the end of the match.

Asked if his attacking midfielder is among the league’s best performers, he purred: “The best. When we made 98 points two or three years ago, he was the best, too. Take the videos and you will see.

“It was an incredible finish. The goal was good, it was quick. To beat them was an incredible step for us.

“The performance, 90 minutes, it was exceptional, the way we start the game. Villa have everything and the way we behaved today was really really good.

“Villa are a top side with an incredible players and the manager on the touchline.”

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Ruben Dias’ first-half effort set City on their way, before Silva’s blockbuster made it two.

Ollie Watkins’ 47th minute strike put Steven Gerrard’s men back into the contest, but City were able to hold out for Guardiola’s landmark 150th Premier League win.

On the achievement, the Spaniard continued: “Quite proud, we won some games, it is not bad.

“It is good news. 150 victories is a lot in the Premier League and we did it in a short time. Big compliment for the whole club and more to come.”

The 50-year-old then reserved special praise for Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling.

He added: “Jack gave us what we needed. He was perfect. Playing his touches and every time he took the ball he didn’t lose the ball.

“Today I would like to praise one player in particular, Raheem Sterling, he played the best game since a long time ago. He deserve all my compliments because he was sensational.

“If you see the machine scoring goals Liverpool and the consistency from Chelsea so the important (thing) is being there. It is important the way we are performing on a high, high level.”

Elsewhere, Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road kept them one point clear of City at the top of the table.

While Liverpool’s 4-1 thumping of Everton at Goodison Park saw them remain a further point back in third.

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ReutersPep Guardiola watched his side secure a big win[/caption]