In Focus: Citizens motoring as Grealish hits top gear

Jack Grealish is finally hitting top gear at Manchester City. 

The 27-year-old registered only three goals and three assists in 26 Premier League appearances during his first season at the Etihad, after arriving for an astronomical £100million fee. 

But in 2022-23, he is playing a major part in the Citizens' bid to overtake league leaders Arsenal. 

Grealish's direct dribbling and final-third contributions look set to be crucial as the defending champions host Leicester this evening.

Silva sings his praises

Team-mate Bernardo Silva understands the struggles Grealish has had to overcome to hit the form he has this season. 

The Portuguese maestro, 28, explained: "The first season at City is not easy. For me, it wasn't simple — not easy for Riyad [Mahrez]. 

"People just think you're going to come into one of the best teams in the world and are going to start every game and be the best player every game. It just doesn't work that way. 

"The manager demands a lot from the players, it's a different style of play to most of the other teams. 

"You have to get used to it. Sometimes it takes time. When you have tough moments you just have to accept it and keep going. Now, Jack is doing well and I'm really happy for him — he deserves it."

New gear

In his last two matches alone, Grealish has bagged two goals and two assists, taking his Premier League total to five goals and six assists this term.

His latest contributions came in a 4-1 win over Southampton, where he poked a rebound from his shot past Gavin Bazunu before lofting a cross to Erling Haaland for the third. 

It is his creativity that has been particularly impressive for the Citizens, carving out an impressive 41 chances. 

He will certainly hope to add to those tallies against the out-of-form Foxes this weekend.

Redknapp raves

Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has recently hailed Grealish as one of the Premier League's best. 

The legendary tactician said: "What a talent Jack Grealish is. I love watching him. He's probably my favourite player in the league to watch. 

"When he gets [the ball], things happen. He can do something special for you. What ability he's got and now he's adding everything to his game. 

"He's making goals, scoring goals, working back. His attitude has been first-class. Top, top player."

Defensive steel

Pep Guardiola is known to demand defensive diligence from his forwards out of possession — and Grealish has put in the work required of him by his boss.

Against Liverpool, he produced an essential block, running back to stop Mohamed Salah's cross to Diogo Jota and preventing a potential goal in the process.

He boasts strong numbers for possessions won in the attacking (20) and middle (35) thirds, as well as total tackles (21). 

That effort has seen the Solihull native retain a regular place in Guardiola’s ever-changing line-up.

Wounded Foxes

The reigning champions welcome a troubled Leicester team to the Etihad next. 

The newly appointed Dean Smith will take charge of his first game alongside Craig Shakespeare after replacing the long-serving Brendan Rodgers. 

Smith's biggest challenge will be tightening up a defence which has conceded 52 goals this term, managing just six clean sheets. 

And Grealish — who will have his sights set on continuing his red-hot league form — will surely be highlighted as one of the Citizens’ chief threats.