Key Highlights:
Manchester, April 2 – Jack Grealish scored his first Premier League goal in 16 months and offered a poignant tribute to his late brother Keelan as Manchester City secured a 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium. The England international broke the deadlock inside 70 seconds in a match where City lacked their usual spark but walked away with three crucial points in their top-four push.
A Goal Written in Emotion
Grealish, who last scored in the Premier League on December 16, 2023, against Crystal Palace, ended a frustrating wait with a crisp strike early in the match. Teammate Savinho darted down the right wing and delivered a perfect pass into the box, which Grealish converted past Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
But the moment was more than just a goal. It was personal.
“With me always, especially this day – that was for you Keelan,”
wrote Grealish on Instagram, marking 25 years since the passing of his younger brother, who died at just nine months old.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he added:
“This day is always difficult for the family, so to score and to win was brilliant. My mum and dad were here. That made it extra special.”
City Missing Haaland, but Not Grealish’s Heart
With Erling Haaland sidelined due to injury, Omar Marmoush led the line and scored City’s second goal, showcasing depth in attack. However, it was Grealish who stole the spotlight—not just with his goal, but with his energy and purpose.
“This season I’ve not been at my best – even last season,”
admitted Grealish.
“I’ve not started in the Premier League since before Christmas. But I was happy I started tonight and to score.”
Guardiola Watches From the Stands
Pep Guardiola, suspended for the match, observed from the stands as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester struggled to threaten, despite City’s lack of clinical edge in the second half. Guardiola is known for his obsession with control, but City looked vulnerable at times—especially in transition.
Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka both had brief moments of promise, but Manchester City’s Rúben Dias and goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher kept the sheet clean.
Marmoush Seals the Game
Hermansen’s error allowed Marmoush to slot in the second goal, and although he missed another clear chance in the second half, City had already done enough. City had 70% possession, 14 shots, and dictated most of the play but lacked the killer instinct that has defined their title-winning seasons.
Grealish Inspires but City Still Below Par
Despite the win, Guardiola will know there’s more work to be done. City’s attack—minus Haaland—was fluid but imprecise. Marmoush missed a glaring chance after intricate buildup play between Savinho, Grealish, and Jérémy Doku, while Grealish fell in the box under minimal contact early in the second half, which wasn’t reviewed by VAR.
There was dominance, but also a worrying drop in tempo and intensity—a concern Guardiola is likely to address ahead of the 196th Manchester Derby this Sunday.
What’s Next?
With this win, Manchester City climb to fourth in the Premier League table, inching closer to Champions League qualification. For Jack Grealish, however, the match will be remembered less for the standings and more for a moment of personal closure and tribute.
He may not have been at his best in recent months, but on this day, Grealish reminded everyone of his quality and his heart—dedicating a goal not just to his club, but to his late brother, Keelan.
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