1) Grealish giving City extra dimension
Jack Grealish had Pep Guardiola positively purring after an effervescent and relentless performance of attacking play in Wednesday’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Chelsea. For this observer it was by far the 27-year-old’s finest outing in Manchester City colours as he menaced Graham Potter’s visitors at will, both from his wide left zone and through more central areas. Afterwards, Guardiola said: “I want Jack to have the responsibility, to play with Kevin [De Bruyne] with Phil [Foden]. I want Jack to get the ball to attack the back line. We talk to him – that the first intention is to score a goal. And today the body language is that the first intention is to score a goal and after to pass. He was exceptional again, Jack is playing really good.” The winger seemed, at last, to remember how brilliant he can be, how his blend of dribbling, pace, trickery, power and athleticism can take him past most opponents and give City – and England at the World Cup – a different and breathtaking dimension. Brentford should beware. Jamie Jackson
