Jack Grealish addresses unrealistic expectations and difficult Manchester City spell after ending goal drought | OneFootball

Jack Grealish has reflected candidly on his struggles during the last two seasons at Manchester City after scoring in a 2-0 win over Leicester City on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old ended a 15-month Premier League goal drought by opening the scoring after just 105 seconds of action after cushioning Savinho’s ball across the box into the far corner.

Grealish has endured a tough time since his personal best, 2022-23 season that saw the England international play a key role for City en route to a historic treble.

However, the ex Aston Villa captain has failed to kick on from the treble owing to issues on and off the pitch and as he approaches the end of his fourth campaign at the Etihad Stadium, his future at City remains in doubt.

After scoring in the Premier League for the first time since December 2023 on Wednesday, Grealish admitted to slight misconceptions about him as a player that have fuelled unrealistic goalscoring expectations since his £100 million transfer to City in 2021.

“I know myself I could score more but know I give a lot more than just scoring. My highest-ever tally in goals is about eight in a season. I was never brought to Manchester City to score 20 or 30 (in) a season,” Grealish said in an interview after the game.

“I think even when I was at Villa the year before Manchester City, I scored six. Listen, I’ve never been one who scores constantly. Obviously I’d love to score, there’s not many better feelings. But I feel I offer a lot more to the team than just scoring. I was happy to score tonight (on Wednesday).”

Grealish was delighted with a place in the starting XI against Leicester City after being named on the bench in Manchester City’s 2-1 comeback win over Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-final at the weekend.

“I wanted the chance to play (against Leicester). I’ve only started in the FA Cup in 2025. I was devastated to not play on the weekend as I’d played in every other round, as you can imagine,” the forward added after dedicating his goal to his late brother Keelan who passed away 25 years ago.

“So I was so disappointed but came on and feel I played well. I feel I deserved to play tonight (on Wednesday). I was just happy.”