Pep Guardiola explains early Jack Grealish substitution during Man City vs Sheffield United

Pep Guardiola says he replaced Jack Grealish early in the second half of Manchester City's win over Sheffield United because he wanted more energy from his side, adding that he almost didn't start the winger after his difficult week.

Thieves broke into Grealish's home during City's win at Everton on Wednesday while members of his family were gathered inside to watch that fixture on TV. Grealish was informed of the incident at full-time and missed training on Thursday to deal with it. He returned on Friday and was named in the starting XI against Sheffield United on Saturday.

Grealish wasn't at his best against the low block of the Blades and was substituted after 50 minutes for Oscar Bobb, who played a key role in the important second goal. Grealish looked despondent and was given a hug from Guardiola as he walked off, with no obvious sign of an injury.

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Explaining the change, Guardiola said he wondered whether to start Bobb and acted quickly in the second half to change things after the break.

"The first half was a little bit flat, everything was flat and we lift in the second half afterwards with Oscar, he helps to increase our rhythm and movement to the byline," explained the manager. "He is really good in small spaces like Phil [Foden], like Bernardo [Silva], like Rico [Lewis]. The teams like Sheffield United decide to play like Crystal Palace, they have two options to attack - put the ball to the sides and cross.

"But Erling [Haaland] is not there and Gundo [Ilkay Gundogan] is not anymore so we don’t have a specialist for the crosses. We are good attacking