Jack Grealish Pep Guardiola blame has resurfaced after the winger’s eye-catching performances on loan at Everton. Many fans believed that Guardiola’s tactical demands at Manchester City stifled Grealish’s natural flair, but former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin argues that the issue is not the manager’s philosophy, but the context Grealish played in at City compared to what he now enjoys under David Moyes.
Grealish has rediscovered his swagger on Merseyside, producing four assists in his first six games while terrorising defenders with direct dribbling — a style that was rarely seen during his final months at the Etihad. Now, the 30-year-old looks rejuvenated, smiling more on the pitch and even being touted for an England recall ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
But Nevin has warned against making Guardiola the scapegoat, explaining that City’s possession-heavy, block-breaking style limited Grealish’s opportunities to isolate defenders, whereas Everton’s system gives him space and licence to take risks. Could this rebirth in blue help Grealish re-establish himself at the highest level?
Jack Grealish Pep Guardiola blame debate
Pat Nevin was clear in his defence of Guardiola’s management style.
“Everyone seems to think it’s just Pep didn’t let him drive past players — no. Doku was allowed to. If you play for City you come up against massive blocks all the time. At Everton, you’re often one v one. Jack’s reacted to that brilliantly, and you see it in his face. He’s beaming.” — Pat Nevin
Nevin highlighted that Everton fans and management allow Grealish to take risks, even if they don’t always come off. That trust, he argues, has been key to restoring the winger’s joy in football.
Everton system reignites Grealish
David Moyes’ setup has been tailor-made for Grealish’s strengths. With Everton not facing the deep defensive blocks City routinely encounter, Grealish has far more space to drive into. This freedom has allowed him to register four assists in six games, a level of productivity that instantly endears him to the Goodison Park faithful.
The contrast is stark. At City, Grealish’s final months were spent as more of a possession controller, criticised for safe passing and failing to replicate his Aston Villa form. At Everton, he has once again become the unpredictable winger England fans adored.
Jack Grealish 2025/26 season stats
Stat (2025/26) | Jack Grealish |
---|---|
Appearances | 6 |
Goals | 0 |
Assists | 4 |
Pass Accuracy | 82% |
source: sofascore match data – 23 September 2025
The numbers show that while Grealish is yet to score, his creativity has been vital. With four assists already, he is providing the end product Everton have desperately needed.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes the Grealish debate reveals a wider point about player suitability:
“At City, he was asked to break down packed defences in tight spaces. At Everton, he has freedom to run at players, which maximises his skill set. This is not about Guardiola being restrictive — it’s about fit. Grealish is thriving because Moyes has given him space and responsibility.”
He added: “If he keeps this form up, an England recall is inevitable. The World Cup is around the corner, and Grealish suddenly looks like a player reborn.”
Key insights
- Pat Nevin insists Guardiola is not to blame for Grealish’s City struggles.
- Everton’s system gives Grealish freedom and one v one situations.
- The winger has 4 assists in 6 appearances so far this season.
- Grealish admits he “didn’t enjoy football” at City but is smiling again.
- An England recall for the 2026 World Cup is back on the cards.
What’s next for Grealish and Everton?
Everton travel to Wolves in the Carabao Cup on 24 September, where Grealish will be eager to score his first goal in blue. Given his current form, he could prove the difference in Everton’s push for cup progress.
Back in the Premier League, West Ham visit Goodison Park on 29 September. It will be another opportunity for Grealish to show consistency and reinforce his status as one of the most effective creative outlets in the league this season.
👉 Is Grealish’s Everton revival proof Guardiola misused him, or simply evidence that different players thrive in different systems?
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