- Jack Grealish scored his first goal in more than a year for Manchester City on Saturday night.
- The winger converted a penalty in City's FA Cup match against Salford
- Hear It's all starting! Why Manchester United might have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho
Jack Grealish finally broke his 392-day goal drought after scoring for Man City in their FA Cup third round clash against 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 campaign, he had only scored three goals and provided five assists in 53 games for the club. City until Saturday night. .
Grealish converted from the penalty spot to give City a 4-0 lead at home to Salford, but could only muster a silent celebration in front of the Etihad crowd.
He was serenaded by almost his 10 City team-mates as Pep Guardiola's side ran rampant against Man United Class of 92-owned Salford.
Before scoring, Grealish set up Jeremy Doku's first goal to give City an early lead, which they took advantage of to score seven more and win 8-0, Salford's heaviest defeat in their 85-year history.
He also made another goal contribution in the 81st minute, curling a pass to James McAtee, who scored the second goal of his professional career.
Jack Grealish ended his 392-day goal drought after scoring a penalty against Salford City
Last week, Pep Guardiola criticized Grealish for his poor performance for City this season.
Grealish's team-mates were delighted to finally see him on the scoresheet again on Saturday.
Grealish's goal came a week after Guardiola criticized his poor form this season, with the Spaniard admitting he wishes his man would continue playing like he did in the 2022-23 treble season.
“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 than Jack and that's why I played against Savinho.
'I want the Jack who won the Treble. But I try to be honest with myself about it. What happened to Savinho's delivery in the box? He is taller than the other wingers in that position.
And they have to fight. You can say, “Okay, that's unfair.” If you think that, then that's fine. But you have to show: “I'm going to fight with Savinho to deserve to play in that position.” And every day, every week and every month.
'I know he can do it because I saw it. I saw his level and I love him, in every training session and in every game.
'If not, Savinho… is there anyone (who thinks) that Savinho doesn't deserve to play at this moment? “I play him because he produces.”