Since their quadruple bid was surprisingly derailed by the League One outfit a fortnight ago, City have won the Carabao Cup and moved within four wins of claiming the Premier League title.
They have done that by sweeping Arsenal aside 3-0 twice, both at Wembley and the Emirates Stadium, and then easing to victory over champions Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
City managed just one goal against Chelsea but the scoreline flattered the Londoners, who failed to muster a single shot on target and had only 29 per cent possession.
Silva, who scored that goal, said: “When you lose sometimes it is more difficult but we gave a very good answer, a very good response and won three games against two great teams.
“We want to think game by game but, of course, it means a lot for us to arrive in March and to be so close to winning the title. We will do our best to keep winning games.”
City were made to wait by Chelsea, who played without a recognised striker and adopted a defensive mindset.
The breakthrough finally came in the first minute of the second half as Silva controlled an awkward bouncing cross from impressive namesake David Silva to turn home at the far post.
HIGHLIGHTS | And the winner for best performance goes to… #ManCity for their victory against Chelsea! #oscars
SHORT: https://t.co/KgxmpvCI9r
LONG: https://t.co/4YLeiYGfiG pic.twitter.com/BLkJw0UUwY— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 5, 2018
Silva said: “Yes, we knew we had to be patient because when you play against a team as defensive and as strong on the counter-attack as Chelsea you have to be patient.
“You have to control their main players and that’s what we did. Fortunately we got three more points and we’re closer to the title.”
Chelsea’s tactics have been heavily criticised but adapting to the different approaches of teams has been part of the normally free-scoring City’s success this season.
“Chelsea can play the way they want,” Silva said. “We knew it could be a possibility and when the game started we had to adapt to it and then play our game.
“We always try to control the game, to play offensive football, to create chances and score goals. Fortunately we won and now we have to think about the next one.”
City are back in action on Wednesday as they look to complete the formality of their Champions League last-16 tie against Basel, having built up a 4-0 aggregate lead from the first leg.
Silva said: “I wouldn’t say we are a bit comfortable but we have a good advantage. Here with our supporters at home we will try to win again.”
Provided by Press Association Sport
