Jack Grealish: How Man City’s £100m Man Has Gone One Year Without a Goal for the Club
Jack Grealish, Manchester City’s £100 million marquee signing in 2021, has faced a curious drought—marking a full year without scoring a goal for the club. Despite being a vital component of Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup, this statistic stands out in stark contrast to his reputation as one of England’s most skillful and creative players. The lack of goals, however, does not paint the full picture of his impact on the pitch.
A Year Without Goals: The Context
The drought began in late 2023, and as the 2024/25 season progresses, Grealish’s contribution in front of goal remains elusive. While injuries played a significant role—limiting his appearances during critical stretches of last season—his form and confidence have also come under scrutiny. Grealish has always been more of a creator than a scorer, but even his assists have been fewer than expected compared to other seasons.
Injuries and Tactical Role
Grealish’s performances have been hampered by injuries, including a severe dead leg and muscle strains that sidelined him for weeks. Guardiola’s rotation-heavy system, coupled with the emergence of other attacking talents like Jeremy Doku, has also limited his consistent involvement. Despite these challenges, Grealish has created 20 chances so far this season, the highest in the squad, highlighting his role as a playmaker rather than a finisher.
Highs Amid the Lows
Despite the goal drought, Grealish played a key role in Manchester City’s European Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup victories. He also delivered crucial assists in high-pressure matches, including the Champions League, where he showcased his ability to dominate opponents like Dani Carvajal in a memorable duel against Real Madrid. His dribbling, chance creation, and work rate remain integral to City’s fluid attack.
Why the Goal Drought Matters
For a player signed for a record-breaking fee, the absence of goals naturally raises questions. Guardiola and Grealish himself have acknowledged that improving his finishing is an area of focus. However, City’s system often relies on Grealish to hold up play, draw defenders, and create space for prolific scorers like Erling Haaland.
Moving Forward
Grealish’s goal drought is both a concern and a testament to the multifaceted demands of Guardiola’s system. While fans may call for more goals, his contributions go beyond the numbers. With better luck on the injury front and a potential shift in responsibilities, Grealish could well rediscover his scoring touch and continue to be a vital cog in City’s ambitions.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Jack Grealish can break his goal drought and silence the critics, proving his worth not just as a £100 million player but as a cornerstone of Manchester City’s success.
