Jack Grealish FINALLY scores for Manchester City after breaking 392-day goal drought in FA Cup clash with Salford City – but star can only conjure up a muted celebration
- Jack Grealish scored his first goal in over a year for Manchester City on Saturday evening
- The winger converted from the penalty spot in City’s FA Cup tie with Salford
- Listen to It all starts! Why Manchester United may have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho
Jack Grealish finally broke his 392-day goal drought after scoring for Man City in their third round FA Cup tie with Salford.
The winger’s last goal for the club came in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on December 16, 2023. Since the start of the 2023/24 season, he had scored just three goals and provided five assists in 53 appearances for City until Saturday evening. .
Grealish converted from the spot to give City a 4-0 lead at home to Salford, but he could only hold a muted celebration in front of the Etihad crowd.
He was serenaded by almost all ten of his City teammates as Pep Guardiola’s side triumphed against Salford’s 92-owned Man United Class.
Before scoring, Grealish assisted Jeremy Doku’s opener to give City an early lead, which they built on to score a further seven and win 8–0 – Salford’s heaviest defeat in their 85-year history.
He also made another goal contribution in the 81st minute, with a curling pass to James McAtee, who scored his second professional career goal.
Jack Grealish ended his 392-day goal drought after scoring a penalty against Salford City
Last week, Pep Guardiola criticized Grealish for his poor performances at City this season
Grealish’s teammates were delighted to finally see him back on the scoresheet on Saturday
Grealish’s goal came a week after Guardiola showed off his poor form this season, with the Spaniard admitting he wished his man was still playing like he did in the 2022-2023 Treble season.
‘As much as [Grealish] When he 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 who won the Treble. But that’s why I try to be honest with myself. What happened to Savinho’s delivery in the box? It is higher than the other wingers in that position.
‘And they have to fight. You can say, “Okay, it’s unfair.” If that’s what you think, then it’s okay. But you have to prove: ‘I’m going to fight with Savinho, to deserve to play in that position’. And every day, and every week and every month.
“I know he can do it because I saw him. I have seen his level and I want that, every training and every match.
‘If not, Savinho… is anyone there? [who thinks] Savinho doesn’t deserve to play now? I play him because he produces.’