Jack Grealish performance against Salford City in the FA Cup sparks renewed hope as the Manchester City winger aims to rediscover his form under Pep Guardiola.
English winger Jack Grealish was the star of the show in Man City’s thrashing of Salford City in the FA Cup third round clash.
Grealish Ends Goal Drought with a Stunning Penalty
Fans went crazy when the former Aston Villa talent picked up the ball to take the penalty kick in the 49th minute. The 29-year-old hadn’t scored a goal in the past 392 days, and the anticipation was high as the player began his run-up.
Eight goals were scored that afternoon, but Grealish’s finish received the biggest cheer. The versatile star waved at the fans and shared a joke with the usual penalty taker Erling Haaland, who was sitting on the bench. Grealish remains an asset for the Citizens despite returning to scoring after a long time.
The majority of fans were asking for his shirt, and two young boys behind the bench even styled their hair similarly to the record British signing. The attacking midfielder wore a huge smile on his face as he walked off the pitch after the 8-0 drubbing.
Jack Grealish wins and converts a penalty to make it 4-0 against Salford.
It’s his first Man City goal since December 2023 🍾 pic.twitter.com/nTKSJjPVYH
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 11, 2025
From Treble Winner to Second Choice: The Shift in Grealish’s Role
But things have changed significantly for him in the last 18 months under Pep Guardiola. He was the center of attraction in City’s 2023 treble-winning season. The fall from the top has surprised many.
The former Villa captain was left on the bench in the club’s Premier League encounter against Aston Villa and then missed the next game as well. City saw their two-goal lead slip away against Brentford, and Grealish was helpless, watching as a benchwarmer.
Pep Guardiola’s Challenge: Can Grealish Prove His Worth Again?
Guardiola was asked about the reason behind choosing Brazilian winger Savinho ahead of their costliest player at the beginning of January. The youngster has jumped ahead in the pecking order during his first season at the Etihad Stadium. The manager said:
“Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack. I want the Jack that won the treble. You have to prove. And every single day, and every single week and every single month.”
🔵👀 Pep Guardiola on Savinho playing and not Grealish: “They have to compete and now Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack, and that’s why I play Savinho!”.
“I wanted Jack for the Treble, yeah. But I try to be honest with myself, Savinho deserves”. pic.twitter.com/RS5XgQyvEx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2025
A Crossroads Moment: What Lies Ahead for Jack Grealish?
Guardiola’s words hinted at the fact that there will be a major overhaul in the summer, and Grealish has very little time to secure his spot in the team. Anything north of that will throw questions on his future beyond the summer transfer window.
Will he stay on the blue side of Manchester and work on extending his contract beyond 2027? Or will the player explore his options and let City cash in on him?
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The current situation surrounding Man City star states otherwise. He was on the pitch against Salford while other senior stars were rested. In fact, the bit-part youngsters who were trusted to defeat the League Two outfit. Grealish starting with these players has made him a clear second choice.
When we look at the past 12 months, it is difficult to witness this situation. The £100 million talent started the season brightly as he spent time at Juventus’s training ground preparing for the new Premier League campaign.
He was one of the few veteran stars preparing for the preseason tour of the United States, and fans believed that he was working towards being an automatic starter under Guardiola. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury ahead of the Community Shield and only started matches in August. His status hasn’t improved in the past five months.
Guardiola was asked about the winger after the Salford victory and how he could get back on his feet. The Spanish boss said:
“I want the best for my players, all of them. I want them to perform well. I want it. But in the end they have to deliver.”
“But not just him, it’s not only Jack. I saw him in the year of the treble and he was a main player for us, but after that there are two options: think it’s me or think about what you can do better. Not Jack, everyone. I know their best [form], all the players we have here. I know their best because they helped us to win what we won.”
🎙️| Pep Guardiola on Jack Grealish’s goal:
“Of course I am really pleased, I want the best for my players… I want them to perform well, I want it.”
“In the era of the treble for example, he was a main player for us!…” 🗣️‼️
📰 via @BeanymanSports pic.twitter.com/NVrGCi8RyZ
— City HQ (@City_HQs) January 12, 2025
There is still time left for Manchester City star. The former Barcelona boss has repeated the same words, and he wants his players to upgrade themselves.
Jack Grealish needs to prove himself on the training ground and take back his place in the starting lineup. Savinho will overtake him completely if he lets things slip out of his hands.
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The reigning Premier League champions are currently struggling, and every other player is at risk of losing their spot except Haaland. It is the perfect time for the record signing to jump ahead in this race. His performance against Salford could be the start of something special.
It remains to be seen if Grealish’s past performance can help him rediscover his form, or will Guardiola recite the same criticism until the end of the season?
