HEIR OF THE DOG

Silva says City's hat-trick caused a bit of a hangover but Pep's men are back in sync and ready to reclaim their Treble crown

- DAVID MCDONNELL

BERNARDO SILVA admits Manchester City began the season with a hangover but now have clear heads and are focused on winning a double Treble.

City playmaker Bernardo conceded last season's Treble triumph took its toll on Pep Guardiola's squad, so much so they lost their way at the start of this campaign.

Guardiola's side were far from their imperious best in the first half of the season but are now on a 27-game unbeaten run in all competitions as they look to create more history.

After Liverpool and Arsenal lost at the weekend, City have a two-point lead in the title race with six games left, and face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend.

If City can get past Real Madrid tonight and go on to win a second straight Treble, Silva agreed it would be hard to argue against them being the greatest club side of all time.

"Obviously the inspiration and motivation is there, because we know how well this team has done," said Silva, who scored twice in City's 4-0 rout of Real last season.