Jack Grealish’s last goal for Manchester City came in December 2023. Since then, the former £100m player has played more than 1,547 minutes of football without finding the net.
The last time Grealish was jubilant to celebrate an own goal was in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at the Etihad on 16 December 2023.
A centerpiece of City’s last three Premier League title parades, the former Aston Villa talisman’s best spell in blue came in his second season at the club, playing a key role in City’s treble campaign.
Making a total of 50 appearances in the 2022/23 campaign, Grealish marked his contribution to the treble with two wins against title rivals Arsenal as his side moved five points clear of the Gunners.
In Europe, he played every game in the knockout stages, including the two-legged contests against RB Leipzig and Real Madrid, before playing every minute of the final.
So how did he end up in a fruitless spell?
Injuries disrupting rhythm
Grealish has missed 15 games through injury in the 2023/24 season
Injuries cost Grealish a continued run in Pep Guardiola’s side, with him missing 15 games through injury in the 2023/24 season. Separate bouts of groin and hamstring injuries saw him sidelined for 59 days last season.
As a result of ongoing problems, Grealish struggled to find a real rhythm at the Etihad last season, featuring just twice in three consecutive games, an inconsistent spell of form meant that even when he did play, the villain who once captivated Premier League fans was a shell of his former self.
Despite making 10 league appearances this season, Grealish completed just one 90 minutes as City ended their winless run with a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest at the Etihad.
Goals have always been a major part of his game.
The free number 10 role under Dean Smith shows how City were tempted to pay a record fee for the British player. Not only did Grealish’s ability to carry the ball up the pitch create problems for the opposition, Grealish was the big fish In a villa that didn’t deliver on the promise it does today.
However, despite his consistent displays and awe-inspiring moments in claret and blue, Grealish’s career high for Premier League goals was eight.His final season saw him find the net six times but miss three months with a calf injury.
His total in the Premier League is 26 in 180 games, which means he is averaging 0.14 goals per game in England’s top flight.Even at his best, goals have never been the main focus of Grealish’s game.
Hope in a new role.
Grealish shone in a more central role against Nottingham Forest
Despite failing at club level, Grealish has remained on the international scene, left out of Gareth Southgate’s final Euro 2024 squad, finding favor with former caretaker manager Lee Carsley, scoring twice in three games.
His performances under Carsley have seen him take on a different role than he used to at his club, in a free-roaming central role reminiscent of his latter days at Villa, Grealish showed shades of his former self.
The goals, while significant, complemented the overall performances in the two games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
So much so that when Guardiola was tasked with a role as City aimed to end a seven-match winless run, he looked equally bright.
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Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest Premier League highlights
“Our football is always built from midfield,” said Guardiola after the victory against Forest.
“They are our pace and the way we have to play. we controlled the game and Jack gave us that pace. In terms of acceleration and control, he did it really well. I’m very happy for him.
“I know his quality. He has the attributes to hold the ball, he can break the lines and he has the composure.”
It looks like Grealish’s career is on hold for a while, but the signs look positive in a tweaked role.
