After scoring his first goal of the year in Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Wolves, Jack Grealish congratulated Pep Guardiola.
He acknowledged that his detractors had a point in questioning his performance.
After 55 seconds at Molineux, the England international scored his first goal of the season by adding the finishing touch to Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliantly delivered cross.
Grealish was replaced in the 58th minute of the Champions League triumph over Borussia Dortmund in midweek.
He scored six goals in his first season at City after joining from Aston Villa for £100 million.
Grealish intends to keep repaying Guardiola’s trust after scoring his first goal since a 2-2 draw with West Ham in May.
He was appreciative of being allowed to start again.
Grealish told BT Sport:
“It was a long time coming and pleasant to get off the mark.
“Rightly so, people have been asking questions.
“I should be scoring more and getting more assists.
“I am always going to have people talking about me with the money that was spent on me, but all my career,
“And I haven’t scored enough goals. I do want to add that to my game.
“It is nice when Pep defends me. He has been brilliant with me.
“I probably have to thank him because he gave me the opportunity today after my performance on Wednesday because it probably wasn’t the best. I am thankful to him.”
Before Wolves’ Nathan Collins was dismissed from the game in the 33rd minute, Erling Haaland increased City’s advantage.
A goal from Phil Foden midway secured the visitors’ points through the second half.
With Brentford playing Arsenal on Sunday, Guardiola hailed “a great victory” for his team as they went to the top of the Premier League standings. He also lauded Grealish’s performance.
The City manager said:
“The game started well for us with the two goals and the red card.
“After the Champions League, to come here with the quality they have – they can keep the ball and transition fast– was an incredible victory.
“We struggled a lot after half-time until Phil’s goal, so a lot of credit to Wolves.
“Jack played good. He was strong and made a good goal coming in. Hopefully, he can make a good international performance and come back fit.”
Due to the upcoming week’s international break, several of Guardiola’s players, including Grealish, will reunite with their nations.
The city will return to action on October 2 when they take on Manchester United.
Guardiola said:
“Fingers crossed, all the players come back fit.
“It is important for them ahead of the World Cup, but hopefully, they come back good, ready for the derby.”
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