Jack Grealish has been speaking to BBC Sport after Manchester City recorded a 3-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League.
The £100m man opened the scoring after just 55 seconds at Molineux to net his first goal of the season, before strikes from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden put some gloss on the win.
Pep Guardiola was helped by a moment of madness from Nathan Collins in the 33rd minute, as the Republic of Ireland international received a straight red card after placing his studs in Grealish’s stomach.
Despite going down to ten men, Wolves still earned the respect of Manchester City’s No.10 for their efforts.
What’s the story?
Well, Grealish described the remaining ten Wolves players as “unreal” as they fought to keep the scoreline at a respectable number without Collins to help out.
Speaking to the BBC, the England international said: “If I win the ball I’m through. I didn’t see it coming. Was it a red card? I’ve not seen it back. I don’t know if he meant it or not, but it was better for us for them to go down to ten men. They (the ten men of Wolves) were unreal. They caused us all kind of problems. The manager made a few subs. That helped settle the game down.”
Grealish is right – Wolves deserve credit for their reaction after losing Collins.
Against a side as deadly as Manchester City, it would’ve been easy to collapse and concede five or six goals, as Nottingham Forest experienced in a 6-0 loss at the Etihad Stadium – with 11 men – on August 31st.
Therefore, to limit the Citizens to just one goal after Collins was dismissed is actually quite a respectable effort from Wolves, and Bruno Lage should be proud of his players for not capitulating.
Jack Grealish took his chance in Manchester City 3-0 Wolves
After a disappointing display against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday, in which he was withdrawn after just 58 minutes, Grealish was fortunate to be named in the starting XI against Wolves – especially as he was yet to score or assist in five games before today.
However, the 27-year-old repaid Guardiola’s faith in him with an important goal.
In addition to his strike, Grealish registered two key passes, three successful dribbles and also won four freekicks for the Citizens – his efforts won him the WhoScored Man of the Match award.
Hopefully, the Manchester City No.10 can use today’s performance as a springboard to impress Gareth Southgate during the international break.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
