One moment in time: Bernardo’s bolt from the Blue | OneFootball

Ahead of this weekend’s trip to Aston Villa, for our latest dip into the archives, we rewind the clock back to December 2021 and revisit an iconic Bernardo Silva strike that served to encompass the very best of Pep Guardiola’s beguiling Manchester City.

It was a goal that helped clinch a vital 2-1 midweek Villa Park victory for City against an impressive hosts, serving as the perfect way to confirm what was the 150th Premier League win for Guardiola.

But much more than that it was a textbook demonstration of the world class talent, technique and commitment to attacking football that have become the hallmark of Pep’s City over the past decade

With the clock on 43 minutes and Villa 1-0 down but attacking and seeking to get back on level terms, City seized on a loose ball deep in our box before Joao Cancelo and Riyad Mahrez quickly wrestled control.

VILLA v CITY: MATCH PREVIEW

Skipper Fernandinho then upped the attacking ante, instantly despatching an inch-perfect 30 yard pass to set Gabriel Jesus free on the right flank as City turned defence to attack in a heartbeat.

The Brazilian took one touch before looking up and despatching a superb arcing cross that found the advancing Bernardo who had powered into the periphery of the Villa box.

Bernardo had the time to bring the ball down but instead demonstrated his world-class technique by instantly volleying Jesus' dropping cross into the roof of the net from just inside the area to stun the Holte End.

WATCH: Watch Bernardo Silva's Villa Park stunner

From start to finish it was all over in barely 13 seconds and served as an emphatic template for City’s brand of bewitching, beautiful football.

Indeed, you could say it was a goal fit for a king which felt only appropriate given the Duke of Cambridge – a huge Villa fan – was amongst those present and left spell bound by Bernardo’s bolt from the Blue.

Not surprisingly, the effort went on to win City’s Goal of the Season award for 2021/22 and still stands as one of the most eye-catching and memorable strikes of Guardiola’s remarkable City’s reign.

Reflecting on the goal that night, the boss made plain his boundless admiration for the exemplary execution from City’s diminutive Portuguese playmaker.

“He’s the best at the moment,” Pep declared.

“It was an exceptional pass from Fernandinho to the channel to Gabriel then Gabriel chose the right moment for the cross and after, Bernardo had no problems with the ball.

“He had the special ability to do whatever he wanted and against a good keeper.

“It was an incredible finish.”