‘I wasn’t at my best’ – Man City player acknowledges poor form since joining club

Jack Grealish recently spoke out about the ongoing criticism of his performances from Graeme Souness, saying he’s doing what Pep Guardiola asks of him on the pitch despite his poor goal output.

Vital Man City noted that Souness’ claims about Grealish’s poor vision weren’t accurate, as he’s still creating chances while being fouled more than most players.

But the 27-year-old did admit his form in the second half of last season left a lot to be desired. Grealish acknowledged he’d come in for criticism if he didn’t start his Manchester City career strongly which is exactly what happened, so he’s had to brace himself for the negative feedback.

He said via Sky Sports: “I know there were games in the second half of last season where I wasn’t at my best. When I’ve obviously signed for Man City and the price, I knew it wasn’t going to be all laughs unless I started the way Erling Haaland did. I think that’s the only way I wouldn’t get caned.

Grealish scored just three goals with only three assists from 26 Premier League games in his debut season at City. In his final campaign at Villa, he’d managed six goals and 12 assists from 26 league games, so the accusations of his decline had some merit.

And with Haaland going on to score 14 goals from 10 games just a few months into his City move, there’s even more criticism levelled at Grealish as he’s not made such an impact despite having more time to settle.

The England international is determined to silence his critics, however, and he put in a better showing in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Time will tell if he can maintain that level of performance over the course of the campaign.

In other news, Paul Merson hails ‘unbelievable’ Rodri who replaced a legend ‘seamlessly’ in Fernandinho

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