Manchester City star Jack Grealish pointed out that Gary O’Neil’s side took a different stance when they faced Liverpool and Chelsea on their own patch earlier this season
Jack Grealish says teams are deploying different tactics against Manchester City than they do against other Premier League big guns.
The playmaker took it ‘as a compliment’ that Wolves retreated against the champions at Molineux. But he pointed out that Gary O’Neil’s side took a different stance when they faced Liverpool and Chelsea on their own patch earlier this season.
He said: “We lost at Molineux last season, so we knew it would be difficult. We seem to be coming up against teams more and more that put players behind the ball. The only way we can take it is that it’s a compliment to us.
“A lot of teams are doing it now. Wolves are a top team. I don’t know how they are at the bottom of the league. From what I’ve seen, they have been really good this season; they’re just unlucky in starting games.
“But is there something in the subconscious around decision-making or, without even knowing it, are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves?
“My focus and my senses are heightened when we’re facing Man City and Pep (Guardiola) and (Erling) Haaland. Are the officials the same, when it’s Haaland and when it’s Manchester City?
“Is there something in there that influences decision-making? And I’ve spoken to them about this as well, and they obviously guarantee me there isn’t. They are human.
“But Manchester City scoring a last-minute winner is a big thing. It’s a bigger thing than Wolves scoring a last-minute goal against West Ham. So maybe there’s something subconsciously that means that you are less likely to get them.
“I might be miles off, but if I had to upset someone in a street and there was a little guy and a big guy, I’m upsetting a little guy. Nothing against little guys.
“But there is something in there and they definitely don’t do it on purpose. I know they’re 100 per cent honest, and they’re doing the best job they can, and I respect them fully. But maybe there’s something that just edges it in that direction when it’s really tight.”
