‘Inevitable’ – Thomas Tuchel backed to make Jack Grealish U-turn thanks to Everton masterclass
Jack Grealish hasn’t let his omission from the England squad affect his performances, as his late winner fired Everton to victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Everton beat Crystal Palace 2-1 on 5 October via goals from Iliman Ndiaye and Grealish after the Eagles held a 1-0 lead through Daniel Munoz’s first-half strike.
The Toffees previously endured a four-game winless run across all competitions, but they have moved up to eighth in the Premier League, thanks to their victory over Oliver Glasner’s men.
Meanwhile, Everton have saved millions in their legal case against Leeds United, as both clubs vie to enjoy a successful top-flight campaign.
Jack Grealish tipped to return to the England squad
England boss Thomas Tuchel surprised supporters by leaving Grealish out of his Three Lions squad ahead of the international friendly with Wales and World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
The 30-year-old subsequently scored against Palace, bolstering his chances of international selection in November.
Speaking about Grealish on BBC One’s Match of the Day on 5 October, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy said: “When you’re struggling a bit, you need your best players to get on the ball and be brave, and he is a top player and you can see the difference in the second half.
“So many more touches in the dangerous area of the pitch. He was strong, he was fit, he looks happy. He’s playing with a strut that we’ve seen him play with before, and what happens is, that’s infectious to those around him.
“I’ve got to give Ndiaye a mention as well, he’s terrific. But Jack Grealish playing at this level will catch the eye of the England manager at some point. I know he’s probably waiting to see if he can keep the levels up, but when he’s looking as strong as he is now and as brave as he is on the ball, then it’s pretty inevitable, really.”
Former Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart added: “That’s a bonus for him. He’s just happy to get that joy back, get that love of football back. We all know Jack Grealish is at his best when he’s happy, when he’s enjoying it, when he’s the main man.
“It was a great feeling to see him score that goal, you saw that relief, that excitement, how can you begrudge a man playing like that?”
Everton could struggle after the international break
Everton’s 2-1 triumph over Crystal Palace saw David Moyes’ men end their previous run of four games without a win, as they ended September with a 1-1 draw against West Ham United, following back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Wolves in the Premier League and Carabao Cup, respectively.
| Jack Grealish Premier League | Stats |
| Appearances | 7 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 1.89 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.91 |
| Goals | 1 |
The Merseyside club have enjoyed a strong start to the season, and deservedly sit just three points adrift of the top three in the top flight.
As alluded to by both Murphy and Hart, Grealish’s rich vein of form has made a big difference for Everton.
However, the Toffees will have to cope without the winger’s services when they face his parent club Manchester City in their first game back after the international break on 18 October.
Pep Guardiola’s men have won three of their last four games in the Premier League, and have what it takes to defeat Everton, especially in Grealish’s absence.
Moyes’ side could then struggle to beat Tottenham and Sunderland, who have both enjoyed positive starts to the campaign.