Jack Grealish shows he is a true Man City player in one impeccable minute vs Liverpool FC

Grealish's impeccable minute

Just like Liverpool's opener, Manchester City were cut open again. A free kick was cleared, Mo Salah was sent clear in his own half, raced towards the area, and had a simple cross to Diogo Jota, unmarked in the box. Jack Grealish wasn't having any of it, though, having run back from box to box to cover the counter and brilliantly cut out the cross. He earned a standing ovation for his work, a high-five from Nathan Ake, and jogged back to position.

And from Ederson's recycling of the ball, Kevin De Bruyne found Riyad Mahrez, who jinked inside to feed Ilkay Gundogan. The German knew exactly where Grealish would be - seconds after his vital interception at the other end - and the winger rolled the ball to Julian Alvarez to equalise. From defensive help to clinical assist in no time, Grealish did exactly what Guardiola asks of his best players to truly show he's mastered the demands of his manager.

Thanks to Grealish, City went from staring at a 0-2 deficit against Liverpool to being level and in the ascendency. This was his 13th start in the last 15, excluding two FA Cup games against Championship opposition, and further emphasised his status as integral to City in 2023. His second half goal was a perfect reward for one of his best performances in a City shirt - and so was the lengthy hug from Pep Guardiola when he was substituted late on.

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Now, Grealish is scoring and assisting important goals in big games against quality opposition - and if Foden is out for three weeks, he has a chance to further cement his place.

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