David Silva believes Man City need to treat every fixture over the second half of the season as a cup final if they are to avoid disappointment.
City playmaker knows every game is vital in trophy bid
David Silva believes Manchester City need to treat every fixture over the second half of the season as a cup final if they are to avoid disappointment.
The Blues have endured a tough week, with arch-rivals Manchester United sending them crashing out of the FA Cup at the third round stage and Liverpool claiming the upper hand in their Carling Cup semi-final.
It is still possible that City could end the season with multiple honours, with the Carling Cup, Premier League title and Europa League trophy still up for grabs.
They need to re-establish momentum quickly if they are to challenge for all of those honours, though, with bids for silverware built in the New Year.
Silva, who is currently nursing an ankle injury, appreciates as much and has called on his team-mates to place added importance on every game they take in from this point on.
"Being knocked out of the FA Cup by United was an important moment - we really wanted to try and retain the trophy," the Spain international told
The Sun.
"And it was a pain watching the Carling Cup defeat on television.
Priority
"It was a bad result for us but we could rise above it in the second leg at Anfield. We still have a good chance of making the final.
"One thing is certain, we have failed in two consecutive home matches against big clubs.
"But I do not think these setbacks are that significant or that City are a club in crisis. The season is very long and any club can suffer defeats. Of course our priority is the league.
"We top the table and any one of our rivals would rather be in our position. Even at this stage a three-point advantage is sensational. But from now on we must play every match as though it were a final."
Silva is hoping to play his part over the coming weeks, with the World Cup winner targeting Monday's North West derby with Wigan for his comeback.
He said: "I think that I will be able to play, although the decision rests with the coach. But it's not going to be an easy night."
