Nicky Weaver says one of the big positives to come out of City’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest was the performance of Jack Grealish.
Deployed in a central midfield role, Grealish excelled throughout and received a standing ovation when he was substituted late on.
The former City keeper believes our No.10 has lots to offer and is a different option in the middle, should Guardiola need one.
“He saw a lot of the ball which is something I think he will have relished - he had to go looking for the ball in the earlier part of the game but once he got onto those little pockets on the half turn, he was fantastic,” said Weaver.
“He’s a terrific footballer in whatever role he plays in and was really influential, draws fouls like nobody else in the Premier League and I’m sure he enjoyed that central position and is definitely another option for Pep.
“He’s a strong boy, rarely gives the ball away cheaply and showed a different part of his game against Forest. I’m sure he enjoyed his evening, and I could see the fans did, too.”
Gareth Taylor was impressed by the style of the Blues’ win and our women’s team boss is hopeful this could kick-start a better run of form for Guardiola’s side.
“It’s nice to talk about something positive,” said Taylor.
“City put a lot into the game, as did Forest, who were in it for large parts, but it’s really nice to get three points on the board and set us up for Saturday.
“Jack got stronger as the game went on and there were quiet leaders doing unseen work out there such as Bernardo, Ruben and Ilkay.
“There were a lot of positives for Pep - you don’t expect Kevin De Bruyne to come back and hit the ground running like he did getting a goal and an assist.
“Doku did really well, Grealish grew into the game and Ortega did well, too.
“It’s a huge lift - the players will be in for recovery on Thursday with the feeling and atmosphere completely different.
“What I like about this team, having been fortunate to have seen them train on matchday plus one, is that you wouldn’t notice if they had got beaten the game before or won -and that’s the sign of a truly great team in that they are balanced and composed in success and failure.
“There will be an element of relief too, that they’ve got this off their back and now we can look forward to the weekend.”
Weaver added: “I’d have been delighted with a win of any fashion, but ultimately we came out convincing winners.
“The clean sheet is vitally important - all good teams are based on good solid defensive records and Stefan Ortega will be delighted with a shut-out.
“He didn’t have that much to do, but what he did do, he did really well.
“Let’s hope the bad run and bad luck is behind us and we can move forward because there are a lot of big games coming up.”