Grealish demand, Gordon admission - Pep Guardiola handed ideal solution to nagging Man City problem

Jack Grealish looked more like Jack Grealish on Saturday.

Playing in a free, central role for England, he had that swagger back and swept in a lovely team move for just his third international goal. It was his first of the season and couldn't have come at a better time after a stop-start summer for Manchester City.

Whereas Grealish's celebration after his pre-season goal against Barcelona was one of frustration and relief, his celebration against Ireland saw him race off with a huge smile, taking in the adulation and then putting his fingers in his ears in a clear message to everyone who had doubted him this summer. A bit of arrogance, and who can blame him?

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Left out of England's Euro 2024 squad after falling down the pecking order at City, Grealish admitted 2024 has been the hardest of his career, his lowest point. But a new baby is on the way and he had a full summer to rest before putting his head down on pre-season. A brief injury setback felt like de ja vu, but Grealish has now followed up a fine performance at West Ham with an influential one against Ireland.

"You had Jack going all over the pitch and they couldn’t really pick up where we were putting ourselves," said Anthony Gordon, who had a front-row seat to Grealish's masterclass in Dublin as he was playing in the left-wing spot Grealish usually occupies for City.

"I think it’s really important for his confidence. He’s a top player, I think everyone knows that, but I think that position really suits him where he’s that free spirit. It's where he played at Aston Villa and