- Jack Grealish scored his first goal in over a year for Man City on Saturday night
- The winger converted from the penalty spot in City’s FA Cup tie with Salford
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! Why Manchester United may have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho
Jack Grealish finally broke his 392-day goal drought after netting for Man City in their third-round FA Cup clash with Salford.
The winger’s last goal for the club came in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Dec 16 2023. Since the start of the 2023-24 campaign, he had only scored three goals and made five assists in 53 appearances for City until Saturday night.
Grealish converted from the spot to give City a 4-0 lead at home to Salford, but he could only muster up a muted celebration in front of the Etihad crowd.
He was serenaded by almost all 10 of his City team-mates as Pep Guardiola‘s side run rampant against the Man United Class of 92-owned Salford.
Prior to scoring, Grealish assisted Jeremy Doku’s opener to hand City an early lead, which they built on to score seven more and win 8-0 – Salford’s heaviest defeat in their 85-year history.
He also provided another goal contribution in the 81st minute, with a curling pass to James McAtee, who scored his second professional career goal.
Grealish’s goal came a week after Guardiola blasted his poor form this season, with the Spaniard admitting he wishes his man was still playing like he did in the Treble season of 2022-23.
‘As much as [Grealish] looks at himself, he will see the competition,’ Guardiola said. ‘He has to compete with himself. Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack and that’s why I played Savinho.
‘I want the Jack that won the Treble. But I try to be honest with myself for that. What happened with Savinho’s delivery in the box? It’s higher than the other wingers in that position.
‘And they have to fight. You can say “OK, it’s unfair”. If you think that, then it’s fine. But you have to prove, ‘I’m going to fight with Savinho, to deserve to play in that position’. And every single day, and every single week and every single month.
‘I know that he can do it because I saw him. I saw his level and I want that, every single training session and every single game.
‘If not, Savinho… is there anyone [who thinks] Savinho doesn’t deserve to play right now? I play him because he produces.’
