by Jack Grealish is finally looking like the fearless player we saw at Aston Villa after producing a stunning man-of-the-match display for Manchester City against Copenhagen.
City crushed the Danish side 5-0, with Erling Haaland scoring to take his tally to 19 goals for the season. But it was Grealish who really shone in the Champions League clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Somehow, the former Aston Villa captain did not get on the scoresheet after seeing several efforts saved by Camille Grabara, who was in inspired form.
He was also denied an assist as Sergio Gomez’s effort that brought in the number three fell as an own goal for David Hotsolava.
However, while the stats may not show it, Grealish’s highlights from the game prove he is now showing his best form in his second season under Pep Guardiola.
The England international played with that freedom and fancy fans loved his game when he played for his boyhood club.
He was constantly asking for the ball and driving forward, drifting down the left side to link up with his teammates.
Seriously if you don’t rate Jack Grealish as a footballer then you literally don’t understand the game or have never played the game and just look at the stats
— adi.das_enthusiast (@DanielTrainers) October 5, 2022
I’ve seen a few comments on this but it looks like Pep is finally letting Grealis off the leash to go and do his own thing. Carrying the ball and drawing defenders to him. I believe he is going to turn into the Villa version of himself… #grealish #MCFC
— VillaVibes (@VibesVilla) October 6, 2022
Jack Grealish vs Copenhagen:
92 touches
68 Accurate passes
91.9% pass accuracy.
4 keys
4 Winning ground duels
3 shots on target
3 Accurate long balls
2 successful dribbles
1 Shot Blocked
1 great opportunity created pic.twitter.com/4Ymcbpk4WN— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) October 5, 2022
It was Grealish who made things happen. He made deft passes for Bernardo Silva and Julian Alvarez, who both hit the post.
And when Alvarez scored his first Champions League goal, it all came down to Grealish’s superb run.
He collected the ball in his own half and raced past two players before feeding Riyad Mahrez, who picked out Alvarez for a tap-in.
“The last three or four games I feel back to myself,” he said.
“I’m playing more with that freedom and confidence. It would help if I got on the scoresheet, I was desperate tonight – but all I need is to enjoy it and win. I’ve played a lot of games recently so I’m grateful I’m playing with a smile on my face lips and I feel like I’m settling in now.”
Grealish’s performance was also hailed as “incredible” by Guardiola, who has consistently backed him despite criticism.
City have made it three wins from three in the Champions League group stage and turn their attention to the visit of Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.
