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Jack Grealish could be key to making Manchester City’s attack click into gear.
The 27-year-old has made four consecutive starts for the Citizens and looked the most likely candidate to unlock Tottenham’s staunch defence in their 1-0 defeat in the capital.
However, he has yet to live up to the £100million transfer fee that was paid for him and will need to step up as the title holders aim to catch league leaders Arsenal and defend their crown.
Ahead of City’s clash with Aston Villa this afternoon, we take a look at how Grealish can take their attack to the next level.
Defiant in disappointment
The defeat to Tottenham was a massive blow for City, who could have clawed their way three points closer to Arsenal after the Gunners’ shock loss to Everton.
Harry Kane delivered the fatal record-breaking blow early in the first half, after which they were able to sit deep and fend off the Citizens’ attacks.
Grealish was a bright spark, completing three of his four dribbles as well as winning 13 duels and seven fouls, of which one saw Cristian Romero shown a second yellow card late on.
Manager Pep Guardiola insists his team should work to win the ball back quickly and the Englisman led from the front valiantly, registering three tackles and seven ball recoveries.
Ultimately, though, his work did not lead to any goal contributions and the effectiveness of Spurs’ compactness was highlighted by Erling Haaland not taking a shot for the first time in sky blue.
Backing from the boss
Despite the defeat, Guardiola praised Grealish’s performance and was particularly impressed by his mentality against Spurs.
He said: “[Grealish was] so aggressive, so committed and had the chances for assists.
“A lot of interruptions as well, but his mentality and aggression to do it, it was good.”
Guardiola will now be hopeful that his winger can continue to build on his performances as they aim to reel Arsenal in.
Carving City chances
Grealish enjoys linking play with his team-mates to break through opposition defences or carrying momentum into one-on-one duels where he can win free-kicks in dangerous areas.
The forward has registered three assists this season — all from open play — to match his league tally from 2021-22 in 875 fewer minutes.
He has created 26 chances, five of which have been considered goalscoring opportunities.
Grealish can also create with his outstanding close-control dribbling with which he uses to evade defenders and draw clumsy challenges.
City’s No10 has completed 20 of his 38 take-on attempts while winning 40 fouls, with 13 coming in the attacking third.
Helping Phil Sterling’s boots
The hole left by Raheem Sterling’s exit has been difficult to fill, with pressure on Grealish and Phil Foden to take up his mantle in the side.
Sterling used intelligent, purposeful runs behind deep blocks to disrupt defences and create goalscoring opportunities, something City missed against Spurs.
Foden enjoyed a super start to the season, racking up seven goals and three assists — but he has since dropped off, with his last league goal coming against Brentford prior to the World Cup.
Guardiola has hinted at using the 22-year-old in a more central role — and that could be the key to unlocking the full potential of both players.
Grealish enjoys drifting in from the left to link play and thread through-balls in behind and the naturally left-footed Foden would be comfortable interchanging with him.
Attacking Aston Villa
Aston Villa had found form under newly-appointed manager Unai Emery but fell to a 4-2 home defeat against Leicester last weekend despite taking the lead twice.
The Spaniard’s insistence on playing out from the back proved to be costly when Boubacar Kamara was dispossessed inside the Villa box for the Foxes’ first equaliser.
Should they take such similar risks at the Etihad this afternoon, Grealish could well profit and pounce on any loose balls against his boyhood club.
He will also be key to breaking down Emery’s defence and kicking the Citizens’ attack into gear when they have the ball.
A positive result is imperative with their title match clash against Arsenal on the horizon.
With Grealish no longer burdened by the tag of being Britain’s most expensive player following Enzo Fernandez’s £106million arrival at Chelsea, now could be the time for the England man to kick on and prove his worth.
