PEP GUARDIOLA has urged Jack Grealish to be “more ambitious” in front of goal following yet another display of unselfishness.
The England winger has struggled for goals since his Premier League record £100million move to Manchester City, scoring seven times in 57 appearances.
Grealish could have added to that tally in City’s 3-1 win over Leeds on Wednesday night after going clean through on goal in the 51st minute but squared the ball for Erling Haaland to tap home.
And his lack of killer instinct is somewhat of a concern for Guardiola, who said: “Grealish made two assists, he allowed us to give an extra pass when he had it.
“With Riyad [Mahrez] and Jack the tempo was better.
“But he has to be more ambitious, he has to score more goals and be competitive because he has the quality to do it.”
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Grealish, however, was happy with his night’s work, writing on Instagram: “Late Christmas present for you City fans.
“Great night at Elland Road.”
A first-half stoppage-time strike from Rodri and a brace from Haaland downed a dogged and determined Leeds.
Victory at Elland Road saw City reduce the gap between themselves and league leaders Arsenal to five points.
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And Haaland has warned the Gunners that the defending champions will do everything they can to “hunt them” down.
He told Amazon: “I have a target but I cannot say it.
“I just said inside the dressing room that I could have scored five but the most important thing is that we won.
“We see Arsenal at the top now and we have to hunt them.
“For me, as a striker, I have to score more.
“I could have scored a couple more but that’s life and I have to train more.
“I’ve been at home, a bit mad that I’ve not been at the World Cup. I recharged my batteries.
“Watching other people score to win games at the World Cup triggered, motivated and irritated me.
“I’m more hungry and more ready than ever.”
City will be back in action on New Year’s Eve, welcoming struggling Everton to the Etihad Stadium.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
