Speaking to The Athletic in a wide-ranging farewell interview, the 31-year-old was candid about his frustration at a season in which Manchester City trail Arsenal by two points with two games remaining.
"I do believe our main rivals were Liverpool by far. I also believe — and I know this is very subjective — that if we were not in a transitional season and if we didn't make so many mistakes, we would have won this league. I don't say we would have won easily, but we would have won this league. So it's quite frustrating."
On Arsenal's journey to the brink of a first title since 2004, after three consecutive runner-up finishes.
"They've been growing and it's a team that has been together for, what, five years now, so it's only natural that they would man up a little bit and start challenging for titles."
He admitted Arsenal are deserving title contenders but stopped well short of embracing them as rivals in the way he views Liverpool.
On the disallowed Callum Wilson goal during Arsenal's 1-0 victory over West Ham — which came via a Leandro Trossard strike deep into stoppage time and kept Arsenal two points clear — Silva conceded the foul on goalkeeper David Raya was correct but directed his frustration at the broader issue of consistency.
"The only problem is the consistency of the referees. It's a foul, but it's quite frustrating when they allow this type of contact at times during the season and then they decide not to allow it in such a game."
He also took aim at Arsenal's use of time-wasting around set-plays — one of the most discussed tactical features of Mikel Arteta's side.
"You look at what has been happening with set-pieces in the last two seasons and it's a bit of a shame to see teams taking one minute over throw-ins, free kicks, goal kicks, corners. I wouldn't say that's the way the game should be going."
Opta's supercomputer gives Arsenal an 81.7% chance of winning the title. City's 18.3% probability depends on winning their remaining games against Bournemouth and Aston Villa while hoping Arsenal drop points against Burnley or Crystal Palace.
Silva leaves the Etihad after nine years and 450 appearances, having won six league titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and five League Cups.