King-pin Grealish finally begins to find his mojo at happy hunting ground
JACK GREALISH holds fond memories of the King Power Stadium.
It was in the East Midlands, almost six years ago to the day, that he scored his first Premier League goal for Aston Villa.
That curling 20-yard drive was a milestone in his career. In years to come, he may look back on yesterday’s trip with a similar degree of affection as this, by a stretch, was the most comfortable he has looked in a sky blue shirt.
In truth, it has taken the country’s most expensive footballer time to find his feet at Manchester City.
His debut in the Community Shield and opening league fixture at Spurs weren’t anything to write home about.
Scoring his first goal against Norwich relieved some of that pressure. Playing a part in thumping Arsenal helped too.
And while Pep Guardiola said there was plenty of time to bed in the England international, who was he kidding? With a £100million price tag, there’s an expectation from the off.
The question for his boss has been how best to utilise the playmaker’s talent.
He looked out of sorts in North London on the opening day. At times, he almost tripped over Raheem Sterling.
Against the Gunners there were the first signs that he was beginning to feel at home.
And, more importantly, that his colleagues had started to appreciate just what his strengths are and how to best use them. And that includes his manager too.
Guardiola set up his side so that Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva played either side of Rodri with the Spaniard positioned in front of the back four.
Joao Cancelo has proved that he can play full-back, full stop. Right or left. The Portuguese is a class act.
And the former Juventus defender, along with Grealish and Silva, ended up toying with Leicester. Almost everything of note came down the left. Indeed, they were all involved in the only goal.
Manchester City had created the better chances but that lack of a real cutting edge – Ferran Torres really isn’t the answer – looked to be counting against them.
But after Ruben Dias swept a ball out to the left, Grealish tied up Timothy Castagne before Cancelo powered a shot forward that ended with Silva grabbing the winner.
The contrast with events on the right was stark.
Gabriel Jesus looked uncomfortable. Gundogan’s influence was reduced. And Kyle Walker was afraid to venture too far forward for fear Harvey Barnes might take advantage.
And so that placed added emphasis on Grealish – he rose to the challenge. But perhaps his finest moment came two minutes from time.
The game was still in the balance. Leicester remain a handful and will enjoy another successful campaign under Brendan Rodgers.
Jamie Vardy looked sprightly. Barnes and James Maddison weren’t quite at the races but there was an impressive cameo from sub Ademola Lookman.
The Foxes have managed to keep hold of their major talents. Youri Tielemans, in particular, looks like the next target for the moneyed Champions League elite.
But the hosts’ threat meant that Guardiola’s men could not afford to switch off until the last blast of Paul Tierney’s whistle. And Grealish didn’t.
He chased 50 yards back into his own half to tackle Marc Albrighton as the tireless Foxes midfielder looked to break clear. He retrieved possession and off Manchester City went again.
The vocal visiting supporters recognised his industry, breaking into a chorus of ‘Super Jack Grealish’.
Perhaps he wasn’t super yesterday. But he definitely made a difference.
And that is exactly why Manchester City bought him.