Grealish proves Pep wrong

Grealish exploded and became a new idol in the eyes of Everton fans.

On the evening of September 20, Liverpool had a narrow 2-1 victory over Everton at Anfield in the Merseyside derby in round 5 of the Premier League. Coach David Moyes' team lost, but Grealish can hold his head high.

Impression

In the Merseyside derby, Grealish made the most key passes (3), more than any other player on the pitch. Although he couldn't help Everton get a point, the English star was still a constant threat to Liverpool's defense.

Liverpool fans often have their hearts in their mouths whenever their defense faces Grealish on the left. Liverpool manager Arne Slot chose Conor Bradley, a natural right-back, to deal with Grealish, instead of using Dominik Szoboszlai as a makeshift option against Burnley.

However, despite careful preparation by coach Slot, Bradley endured a difficult afternoon at Anfield. Every time Grealish came face to face with the young defender, Liverpool's defence immediately went on alert. In recent years, people have often had the prejudice that Everton only rely on long crosses and set pieces.

Before the match, many experts and fans of "The Kop" expected Everton to deploy throw-in tactics, using high balls to make things difficult for the opponent. The reality was completely opposite. Everton's biggest danger came from the technical wingers, led by Grealish.

In his first five Premier League games of 2025/26, Grealish has assisted four goals for Everton: two assists in the 2-0 win over Brighton on the opening day of the new stadium, then continued to have a hand in all three goals in the dramatic 3-2 win over Wolves.

Grealish is resurgent.

This achievement is all the more remarkable when Everton's attack has been playing very poorly since the beginning of the season. That explosive form helped Grealish overcome seven strong candidates to win the title of Premier League Player of the Month for August.

Any chance at Man City?

This is also the first time in five years, since Dominic Calvert-Lewin in September 2020, that Everton has had a player step up to this podium. In round 5, Grealish had a smooth pre-assist pass, opening up the opportunity for Idrissa Gueye to finish against Liverpool.

Grealish's opening pass from the left into Liverpool's penalty area, leading to Gueye's goal, was the visitors' best effort of the match. Grealish, since arriving at Everton, has been considered the most important individual on the team this season.

It should be remembered that Grealish was once the most expensive English player in history with a £100 million contract in 2021. Grealish's class is unquestionable. The problem with Grealish now is whether he will have the opportunity to return to Man City and play under Pep Guardiola in the future?

Grealish has claimed that Everton helped him rediscover his passion for football after a forgettable time at Manchester City. However, a team that has often struggled to avoid relegation in recent years cannot reach the pinnacle that Grealish dreams of, if he continues to shine as he has recently.

Grealish's future at Etihad is still long, especially when his contract with the club runs until 2027 with a salary of 18 million euros/season - the second highest in the team, only behind Erling Haaland. At 29 years old, the English winger is not out of his prime.

If Grealish continues to shine like this, Pep should probably consider reusing his one-time blockbuster contract. Especially in the context that Man City's current wingers are not playing much better than Grealish.

Source: https://znews.vn/grealish-chung-minh-pep-da-sai-post1587093.html