JACK GREALISH is back at Villa Park today, having achieved a significant milestone earlier this week.

Nonetheless, it’s not a moment of celebration for anyone linked with Manchester City.

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It was on December 16, 2023, when the £100 million star last scored in a competitive match for Man City.

If Grealish were more actively supporting his teammates, his prolonged goal drought might be easier to overlook.

Yet, this season, he has managed only one assist in the Premier League.

Both manager Pep Guardiola and Grealish have often stressed that his contributions go beyond mere numbers.

This idea has been a consistent theme throughout his 3½ years at the Etihad Stadium.

This season was expected to be the time he sparked a revival in his career following his exclusion from Euro 2024.

He expressed this goal during the club’s pre-season tour in the USA after he returned to training early.

His aim was to prove former Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate wrong for leaving him out of the squad for the tournament in Germany.

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However, after five months, he is still waiting for a breakthrough.

As he returns to his former playing ground for today’s lunchtime match, Grealish faces yet another critical juncture in his career.

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Grealish has battled injuries and form issues this season, having made just five league starts so far.

Nevertheless, he has also come off the bench in seven additional matches, demonstrating he has been generally available.

Despite this, Guardiola has frequently opted not to start the former Aston Villa captain, even during a critical injury crisis within the team.

When asked about Grealish’s current season, Guardiola commented: “It began well, but he has faced a couple of injury setbacks.”

“He needs time and game minutes to regain his touch and fitness. However, he is mentally resilient.”

On the subject of the year-long goal drought, he noted: “Last season was tough for him, along with these setbacks.”

“Naturally, forwards are expected to contribute significantly, but it’s not just Grealish; several others are facing similar difficulties. We are struggling to create offensive opportunities.”

“Nevertheless, I maintain hope that my players will soon find their rhythm and perform at their best.”

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He hasn’t consistently supported his record transfer fee, however.

The City manager was furious when Grealish was selected for the England squad during the November international break, as the player expressed interest in joining.

Having been out of action for more than 2½ weeks due to injury, Guardiola felt strongly that Grealish should remain with the club and focus on his rehab.

This ultimately played out as expected—after Grealish attended St George’s Park for a check-up by England’s medical team.

Upon the return of domestic football the following week, Guardiola stated that there was no discord between him and Grealish, who was once again available for selection.

He has started just three matches since then—one of which saw him play centrally in a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest.

This match marked City’s only victory amid their alarming 11-match winless streak, after which Guardiola suggested Grealish might feature more often in a central position.

However, just three days later, he found himself back on the bench during a draw with Crystal Palace, further complicating their quest for a fifth consecutive title.

He was a substitute in the recent Manchester derby—coming on for Jeremy Doku with just 13 minutes remaining while City had a one-goal advantage.

However, he drew criticism from former Premier League legend Thierry Henry for allegedly letting the advantage slip back to the Red Devils.

Following United’s 2-1 win, Henry lamented: “I was at home and I screamed. I truly screamed because that’s not the Jack Grealish I recognized at Villa. It’s not the Jack Grealish I observed making a name for himself at Man City.”

If he does not improve his performance soon, Grealish might consider a move away from City next year.

The club is contemplating a recruitment drive in January to strengthen their midfield and revitalize their season.

Moreover, with new signings expected in the summer, the pressure is building on the £100 million player.

This afternoon serves as a solid opportunity for him to display his talents once again.

Inside Sasha Attwood and Jack Grealish’s relationship

Sasha Attwood and Jack Grealish have recently embraced parenthood, but they’ve been together for over a decade…

The couple met as teenagers in Solihull, West Midlands, with Sasha noting they have been together since she was 15.

Jack was already on his way to becoming a professional footballer when they first met.

Despite the long duration of their relationship, she often remained out of the limelight while Jack’s career soared.

However, the intense scrutiny surrounding Jack’s personal life escalated in 2021 when England advanced to the Euro 2020 final, delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Due to their relationship, Sasha endured harassment from trolls on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with her receiving up to 200 death threats daily from “young girls.”

The couple was later seen vacationing together after the tournament, and they gradually began sharing more of their relationship on social media once the harmful trolling subsided.

In 2022, they celebrated their tenth anniversary and purchased a luxurious seven-bedroom mansion worth £5.6 million, set on 24 acres.

They moved into their new home in late 2023, but Sasha and some of Jack’s relatives experienced a frightening robbery while watching one of his televised matches shortly after Christmas.

The couple’s most recent milestone is Sasha’s pregnancy, which they announced on social media on July 7, culminating in the birth of their daughter Mila Rose on September 27.