Jack Grealish scored his first Premier League goal of the season during Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Leicester City, a poignant moment honoring his late brother, Keelan. Despite struggling for form since his high-profile transfer, Grealish aims to regain his previous glory. With key player Erling Haaland potentially unavailable, his resurgence is crucial for Manchester City’s Champions League aspirations, as they vie for a top spot in the league amidst a competitive race.
This season, Jack Grealish has yet to make a significant impact in the world of football. The player, once valued at 120 million euros, is struggling to find his rhythm. However, he marked a pivotal moment by scoring his first league goal of the season on a date that holds deep personal significance for him.
Jack Grealish found the back of the net during Manchester City’s 2-0 triumph over Leicester City, marking his first Premier League goal in 16 months. Just two minutes into the match, the 29-year-old scored a poignant goal, raising his hands to the sky in tribute to his late brother, Keelan, who passed away 25 years ago at just nine months old.
‘Always with me, especially on this day. This was for you, Keelan,’ Grealish shared on Instagram after the match. In a post-game interview, he reflected on the day’s emotional weight, stating, ‘This day is always tough for the family, but I’m happy to have scored. My parents were here, and winning the match made it even better.’
This heartfelt dedication resonated, especially with coach Pep Guardiola, who praised Grealish. ‘Jack is an incredible person,’ Guardiola remarked. ‘I had no idea about the anniversary. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for his family. It’s wonderful that he honors his brother on this day. I’m sure he thinks of him daily. He scored a goal and played well.’
Striving to Recapture Past Glory
Strong performances have become a rarity for Grealish in recent months. His last two seasons could hardly be described as disastrous; however, after winning the Champions League in the summer of 2023, which solidified his reputation, his form has dipped significantly. During a stellar 2022/2023 season, he netted five goals and provided eleven assists in approximately 50 matches. This season, he has played 36 times, totaling only 2114 minutes, with three goals and three assists, leading to a diminished presence on the field.
Before the match against Leicester, Grealish had recorded three goals and five assists in 27 competitive outings. Much of his time was spent on the bench, coming on as a substitute and failing to make an impact. His best performances were in the FA Cup, where he excelled against lower-league teams like Salford and Leyton Orient, contributing significantly to his point tally in those matches.
Having transferred from Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021 for nearly 120 million euros, Grealish’s trajectory has seen him become a player about whom whispers circulate in pubs—reminiscing about his past prowess.
Manchester City’s Champions League Aspirations
During a visit to a social club in Washington, Northern England, Grealish delivered his most notable performance of the season. He generously treated patrons at the North Biddick Social Club, spending around 500 pounds. One delighted visitor recounted, ‘Jack was a true gentleman; with 500 pounds, you can keep the whole place flowing with drinks for a few hours. He’s a hero and is always welcome back.’
For now, though, Grealish is focused on regaining his form on the pitch, carrying the memory of his brother with him. This resurgence would be a boon for Manchester City, especially as they might face the remainder of the season without Erling Haaland. The Cityzens are in contention for fifth place, which could secure their spot in the Champions League for the upcoming season. Currently, they sit in fourth but have played one more match than rivals Newcastle United and Chelsea.