Grealish leaves Souness red-faced after "he needs to look at himself" rant

10 December 2023 , 17:58

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Grealish leaves Souness red-faced after "he needs to look at himself" rant

Jack Grealish scored his second goal in as many games to halt Manchester City 's winless run on Sunday afternoon against Luton Town.

The England winger, 28, started in the 2-1 win against the Hatters, who took a shock lead against the run of play through Elijah Adebayo just before half-time. A sweet first-time strike from Bernardo Silva restored parity in the 62nd minute before Grealish completed the turnaround after nutmegging goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski from close range.

Grealish has endured a difficult season and played second fiddle to summer signing Jeremy Doku in recent weeks. But an injury sustained by the Belgium international in the recent 3-3 draw against Tottenham has opened the door for Grealish.

Manchester City's £100million man followed up his goal against Tottenham with the all-important strike against Luton - and it's left Graeme Souness with egg on his face following recent comments made by the ex-Sky Sports pundit.

Souness, who also questioned Grealish last year, told the Daily Mail last week: "Ask 10 full-backs if they'd rather play against Doku or Grealish, and I think it would be Grealish every time. Defenders don't like pace and players who are direct. The way it is today, you dangle a leg and that’s a penalty. Grealish isn't showing any intent to get by defenders.

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"He is, for me, at a crossroads in his City career. Doku is 21 years old and is only going to improve. Jack is 28. He needs to have a close look at himself. He should be in his pomp. Between 26 and 30 you have the knowledge, you’re physically and mentally stronger. He will not be getting any better. This should be his time.

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Jack Grealish has now scored two goals in his last two Premier League games (Richard Heathcote)

"So, if I was him, I would be very concerned. I'd be sitting in front of the manager and asking him, 'How do you see it for me? I've won all these trophies with you but the new guy is the go-to player in my position.'

"With the Euros coming up, and World Cup beyond that, he cannot afford to be sitting on the bench as a bit-part player. Only he can decide if he’s happy to be that. It’s not something I would have tolerated. I wanted to start every game and I did, if I was fit."

While two goals and an assist from nine league games are relatively meagre returns, Grealish has hit back at Souness in the perfect way this week - and there could still be plenty more to come, too.

Dan Marsh