Ten seconds into the second half at London Stadium yesterday afternoon, Jack Grealish advanced down the left wing and sought to play a one-two with Erling Haaland only for the return pass to break down.
It was a neat example of the intent expected from the England international. And yet on the first outing of a second campaign that will likely define whether last summer’s £100m signing can become a success in sky blue (or fluorescent yellow) it was merely a fleeting glimpse of the directness that had made him dazzle so brightly at Aston Villa.
As most eyes trained on the new focal point of Manchester City’s attack, it was too often easy to forget the presence of the man to his left. If Haaland was entirely convincing in his Premier League debut, Grealish fanned the flames of doubt.
Forget that Grealish cost close to double the fee paid for Haaland, because in the era of club owners with bottomless pockets such comparisons feel futile. The only comparison to be made is impact on the pitch and already the new man has made a greater one with yesterday’s impressive contribution.
Grealish has not delivered a match-winning moment for City yet, the sole important goal last season coming in East London as they fought back from two down to draw in April on route to the title.
Indeed the 26-year-old’s most memorable contribution since joining the club was his role in the celebrations. But within the jubilation it is important to remember that moment of vulnerability where he explained how daunted he felt performing for Guardiola.
And that is perhaps why the boss was bigging his priciest player up before this game.
That dribble and a decent turn on Vladimir Coufal late in the first half aside, there was a speculative blocked shot later on and not much else. But even the distribution lacked zest, too many of his disposals safe and sideways.
He hugged the touchline, as City’s full backs tucked in and pushed high to suffocate their hosts, and often became a decoy but seldom made inroads himself.
Afterwards Guardiola raved about City’s collective performance, and there was much to admire about the ease with which they neutered a tepid West Ham, but it is also fair to ask for more from Grealish than dummy runs and lateral passes.
Raheem Sterling’s departure to Chelsea and Gabriel Jesus going to Arsenal will ensure additional opportunities ahead of the World Cup, plus Guardiola has been banging the small squad drum of late. A proper pre-season to absorb the head coach’s desired methods should benefit Grealish, too.
But beneath the familiar outer layer of confidence, the low socks and fancy haircut that have so often appeared an invitation for defenders to kick out, that hint of fragility revealed during May’s title celebrations may be more indicative of his state of mind.
There will be few surprises if Grealish begins to shine once the rhythm of the season picks up but if it does not happen for him now at City, perhaps it never will.
