David Silva: Smaller sides are more difficult to beat

The Spain international believes the Premier League's struggling teams provide the hardest opposition because 'they play every game as though it's their last of the season'

Manchester City midfielder David Silva believes the sides at the foot of the Premier League are harder to beat than those around them in the table.

The champions have lost just twice in the league so far this season, but did drop two points on Sunday when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Burnley at the Etihad Stadium.

Silva, 28, scored the opening goal against the Clarets, who came from 2-0 down to salvage a point, taking his tally to four goals in his last three games.

"Some people have looked at our fixtures over the past few weeks and said that we should win them all, but football doesn’t work like that,” said the Spanish star.

"It’s a cliché, sure, but as Burnley proved, every game is difficult in the Premier League and it is a very long season."

City could go level on points with leaders Chelsea on Thursday, if they can beat Sunderland, with Jose Mourinho's side involved in the late kick-off when they face Tottenham.

The Black Cats sit 14th in the table and have won just one of their last nine matches, but Silva is still expecting a challenge.

"Any team can beat you if you’re not at your best and I believe playing sides that are struggling to find form and are near the bottom of the league is worse than a run against teams near the top because they play every game as though it’s their last one of the season.

"We just need to return to winning ways quickly and not dwell on the Burnley result too much."