Silva: Mancity Will Stop Costa

David Silva believes Manchester City will stop free-scoring Diego Costa when his side host top-of-the-table Chelsea on Sunday.

Costa has scored seven goals in his first five Chelsea games, propelling the Blues to the top of the Premier League ahead of the crunch clash at the Etihad.



And although City playmaker Silva praised his fellow Spain international for his start to life in England, he feels his team-mates have what it takes to put an end to his goalscoring form.

"Diego has made a huge impact," Silva told reporters. "It is not easy to adapt but he has clearly done it very quickly.

"He’s scored seven times so far so that record speaks for itself. That’s very important for Chelsea but not that good for us. But we’ve got a good defence and I believe we can stop him on Sunday."


Silva will also come up against Cesc Fabregas, another international team-mate, but has vowed not to afford the midfielder any special privileges.

He added: "I have a very good relationship with both players. I think Chelsea have made some fantastic signings this summer but our friendship will be set aside because we are going out to win.

"I’ve known Cesc since we were 16-years-old and were in the Spanish youth squads together.

"I’m looking forward to facing him but in pretty much every game now I seem to be up against a Spanish teammate – when we play Arsenal it’s Santi (Cazorla) or when it’s United it will be Juan Mata.

"But it’s really all about how the team plays, and our aim as always is to go out and win the game.