Manchester City Fans Slam Jack Grealish for Winning Everton’s POTM Despite Underwhelming City Form
Jack Grealish’s recent win of Everton’s Player of the Month award has sparked a wave of criticism and frustration among Manchester City supporters, who feel the former Villa star has failed to justify his hefty price tag and expectations since joining Pep Guardiola’s squad. While Grealish’s performance at Everton during the loan spell has earned him plaudits, many City fans see it as a glaring contrast to his underwhelming and inconsistent displays at the Etihad Stadium.
A Disappointing Chapter at Manchester City
Jack Grealish arrived at Manchester City in the summer of 2021 for a club-record fee of around £100 million, marking him as one of the most expensive British players ever. The hype around his signing was enormous—City fans expected a creative spark, someone who could unlock stubborn defenses with flair, dribbling, and incisive passes. Unfortunately, the reality has been far from that.
Since his arrival, Grealish has struggled to cement a regular starting role, frequently coming off the bench or being deployed out of position. His performances, while occasionally showing glimpses of brilliance, have largely been deemed inconsistent and underwhelming. City supporters often criticize his decision-making, lack of end product, and inability to influence big games consistently. His statistical contributions—goals, assists, key passes—have not matched the expectations set by his transfer fee or his previous exploits at Aston Villa.
The Everton Loan and POTM Award: A Stark Contrast
Grealish’s loan move to Everton was widely viewed as a chance for him to rediscover form and confidence away from the pressure cooker of City. And by all accounts, he has done just that. Winning Everton’s Player of the Month award is testament to his impact in the Toffees’ midfield and attack. At Goodison Park, he has looked more involved, influential, and perhaps most importantly, freer in his play.
However, this success at Everton has rubbed many Manchester City fans the wrong way. For some, it highlights a harsh truth: Grealish’s struggles aren’t just about adjusting to the rigours of the Premier League or stepping up to City’s demanding standards—they suggest that he might simply not fit into Guardiola’s system or meet the club’s elite expectations.
Fans Speak Out: Frustration and Disbelief
Social media platforms have been awash with critical commentary from City fans. Common sentiments include disbelief that Grealish, who has been unable to shine consistently at City, is winning accolades at Everton—a club battling relegation and not competing for the top honors. Some fans have described it as embarrassing or a slap in the face, questioning why a player who can impress at a struggling side cannot replicate that form at one of Europe’s best teams.
Many City supporters argue that if Grealish can perform this well at Everton, it raises questions about the club’s transfer strategy and Pep Guardiola’s management. Some suggest the club should consider selling or loaning him permanently, as he appears more suited to mid-table teams rather than City’s ultra-competitive environment. Others feel that his time at the Etihad should be remembered as a costly experiment that didn’t pay off.
Guardiola’s Dilemma and Tactical Challenges
Pep Guardiola is known for his demanding tactical approach, requiring players to execute specific roles within a highly fluid and possession-based system. Grealish, a naturally creative and free-roaming winger, seems to have struggled to adapt fully to these constraints. At City, the player’s role often feels restricted, limiting his natural strengths such as dribbling and creating chances in one-on-one situations.
At Everton, Grealish’s responsibilities appear more flexible, allowing him to express himself and take on more creative freedom. This difference in tactical fit might explain the stark contrast in his performances and the subsequent praise he has received.
What’s Next for Jack Grealish?
For now, Grealish’s Everton loan offers a chance to rebuild his reputation and confidence. But Manchester City fans remain divided on his future. Some hope a rejuvenated Grealish returns ready to prove his worth, while others believe the club should cut their losses and move on.
One thing is clear: winning Player of the Month at Everton while struggling at City has intensified the scrutiny and criticism Grealish faces. If he wants to silence doubters and fulfill his potential, he must deliver consistent, high-quality performances in Manchester City’s demanding environment—something he has yet to achieve.
