The playmaker told of his pride at the second half performance against Liverpool
Jack Grealish was disappointed in the defeat but proud of the performance(Image: Getty Images)
Jack Grealish shared his pride over his teammates’ determination after Everton pushed Liverpool to the final whistle in the 247th Merseyside derby.
The 30-year-old starred in the 2-1 defeat, tormenting Reds right back Conor Bradley through a second half in which the Blues pulled one goal back and fought to find another. That equaliser did not materialise – but not for a want of trying.
While Everton were unable to create clear cut chances after Idrissa Gueye’s strike, they forced Liverpool into time wasting as a nerve-stricken Anfield clamoured for the final whistle.
READ MORE: David Moyes blasts ‘very strange’ and ‘unbelievable’ Darren England decisions in Everton derby loss
OPINION
Joe Thomas
Central to all of that was Grealish. The Manchester City loanee, a focal point for the positive start to the campaign and the winner of the Premier League’s player of the month accolade for August, created chances in both halves.
With Everton just one down he sold Ryan Gravenberch a dummy on the left touchline and burst into the box before sending Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall through on goal, though at a tight angle.
Grealish enjoyed greater success later in the game, teasing Bradley and those around him. It was his hanging ball to the back post that allowed Iliman Ndiaye to tee up Gueye for the Everton goal. While he could not inspire an equaliser, the statistics told the story of his influence – Liverpool reduced to fouling him six times.
After the game he railed against the officiating but showed a united front with his teammates – urging the group to focus on a return to winning ways at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup in the week.
He posted to his 8.6m Instagram followers: “Thought we definitely could of got more from the game today. Proud of the boys and a pleasure to play for this club. Rest and recover and focus on Tuesday.”